Nonlinear modeling of growth and study of a new characterization point applied to Timahdit breed sheep under uncertain paternity.

The objectives of this study are to determine which model, among those of Brody, Logistic, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy and Richards, is the most appropriate to describe the growth of this breed and to choose a point for this model which would be closest to the slaughter weight which have to be used as a selection criterion. Also, in preparation for genetic evaluation under uncertain paternity, Henderson's Average Numerator Relationship Matrix method was used and an R code was developed for the creation of the inverse matrix A which was replaced the pedigree in the animal model. To do this, 64,282 observations corresponding to 12,944 animals, collected between 2009 and 2016, were analyzed.

The dairy chains in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia): from self sufficiency options to food dependency?

The Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia) have experienced since the early 1950s a rapid demographic growth coupled to a significant rhythm of urbanization. This has led to a marked increase in the demand of dairy products. In order to secure the supply, specific policies have been implemented.

Supporting small-scale dairy farmers in increasing milk production: evidence from Morocco.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of technical support provided to five small-scale cattle farms in the Tadla irrigation scheme (Morocco) on their milk yield. The first stage consisted of assessing the initial management of dairy herds, especially feeding strategies, and their effects on milk output. This diagnosis revealed major gaps between the existing and the potential milk yield, due to insufficient and imbalanced dietary rations.

A comparison of dairy cattle systems in an irrigated perimeter and in a suburban region: case study from Morocco.

Multivariate analyses were used to compare dairy production practices and their consequences on milk yield and profitability in cattle farms from two representative regions of Morocco. A regular follow-up of 118 farms (48 in the Rabat-Salé suburban belt and 70 in the Gharb irrigated perimeter) was undertaken to obtain accurate data. Results show significant differences between the two regions.