Characterization of Goat Breeding Systems in Tunisia and In the Mediterranean Region

Abstract

Despite its socio-economic role in Tunisia, the goat has been considered as an agent of natural resource degradation due to the excessive exploitation of forests and rangelands. Currently goat farms are beginning to regain interest in different Tunisian climatic conditions. Goat breeding is distributed throughout the territory, particularly in the mountain areas, natural rangelands and southern oases. The main systems encountered are (i) systems integrated into farms, (ii) livestock systems in mountainous and forest regions, (iii) oasis ecosystems and (iv) transhumant livestock systems. These farming modes are influenced by developments in agricultural systems in general, which change due to socio-economic development and are dependent on the availability of funding through national projects. In North African countries in general, transhumant pastoral systems dominate arid and semi-arid zones and are characterized by the seasonality of food resources, which are tightly influenced by rainfall. Extensive pastoral farming, mixed with sheep in regions with a dry climate and limited water resources, is the most widespread. Goat farming is a form of savings rather than an economic activity. Concerning the majority of Mediterranean countries; the existing farming systems reveal the importance of socio-territorial unity and available natural resources. The classification of goat farming systems is based on the resources used (natural rangelands or crop residues), the intensity of resource use (extensive or intensive), the types of livestock breeders (nomadic or sedentary), or the product generated and it's quality. The dominant systems in the European countries of the northern Mediterranean shore are farms oriented to the production of goat's milk intended for the manufacture of cheeses.