Caprine production proves and breeding systems in the Provence and Côte d’Azur regions

Abstract

The analysis of breeding results, in particular the milk production curve, could be regarded as an operation indicator to identify different farm types. Thus, we have identified several functioning systems in dairy goat farms in Provence and the Cote d’Azur. Some are related to the environment (mountains farms) others to the farmer’s aims (dairy intensification in plains or large amount of usage of rough grazing). These various targets involve differences in herd management (feeding, production, allotment,...) and in economic management. Consequently, the level of integration of rough grazing into the feeding systems is closely dependant on the aims of each farmer and the farm’s technical contraints they have to take into account. Our aim is to provide a tool in order to easily understand this integration.