Systèmes allaitants et innovation en élevage

Lengthening periods of grazing during wintertime might be an interesting alternative to cut down the production costs and secure the forage system. Focused on sheep production, the project was designed to clarify zootechnical effects of different winter grazing items on ewes, including production and welfare issues, with two genetic types i.e. Mouton Vendéen and Romane breed. Regarding cattle, the objective was to assess the value of associating an Out Wintering Pad (OWP) to grazing during wintertime in order to preserve grasslands facing the risk of degradation by poaching. Specific observations on the quantitative and qualitative changes of different grass species completed these devices. In addition to this experimental set, a set of exploratory surveys was associated regarding changes in farming practices carried out recently or expected to be planned. These studies confirmed the possibility of driving cattle or sheep outdoors and grazing without detrimental effects on production, including animals with rather high requirements such as ewes in late pregnancy. It is observed that the animals are able to lower the grazing height, and nevertheless grass intake still remains a significant part of the diet of cattle, and up to the total in the case of sheep. With cattle, given a possibly high risk of detrimental impact on the pasture, the opportunity of having an exit area easily accessible appears to be of high interest. However OWP investment cost is about 80% the charge of a standard barn, leachate collection device included. In the case of accumulated litter systems, with rather low straw consumption, these facilities do not require manure storage areas. Up to now the innovations which have been implemented at the farm level have barely tackled grazing practices. However more than half the sheep producers are claiming for grassland management, their expectations being mostly focussed on genetics and choices of species. These issues point out how much it is necessary to have a convincing argument demonstrating the grasslands abilities to tackle the upcoming challenges. L’allongement des périodes de pâturage des troupeaux allaitants en phase hivernale est aujourd’hui une alternative pour maitriser les coûts de production et sécuriser le système fourrager. Ce projet avait pour objet, dans le cas des ovins allaitants, de préciser les effets sur les performances zootechniques et le bien-être animal de quelques pratiques de gestion du pâturage hivernal. Deux