Mohamed Taher Sraïri

Abstract: 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. Based on this diagnosis, technical support was adapted to the reality of each farm by regularly adjusting the dietary rations to the production potential of lactating cows using available feed resources. The production potential of either pure Holstein or crossbred cows was based on the herd�s physiological status and its genetic merit. Results showed that milk production could be rapidly improved by balanced dietary rations that enabled the average milk yield of lactating cows to be reached, while optimising feed costs and reducing the cost of milk production. Providing technical support to dairy farms should have a significant impact on overall milk production at different scales (irrigation scheme, plant supply area, national production) while alleviating the poverty of small-scale farmers. It would require the involvement of farmers� organisations such as milk collection co-operatives to replace services provided by the State, which is currently withdrawing from extension activities.

Abstract: The dairy production in Morocco has been stimulated by various prompting measures. Its development took place mainly in the regions where irrigation was possible. At present, the conditions are less favourable and the production system of the dairy farms has to be studied anew, particularly in the non-irrigated zones, where these farms are moreover subject to the climatic hazards. By analysing the agricultural practices of an intensive dairy farm in a semi-arid non-irrigated zone of Central Morocco, it was possible to diagnose the forage production and the rearing of livestock. The feeding of the herd is based on oats silage and on concentrates. Oats, grown in rotation with wheat and fallow, has medium yields (8,3 t DM/ha), subject to large variations from field to field that are linked to fertilisation. The feeding of the cows is heavily dependent on concentrates (73% of the energy supply). The annual milk production amounts to 8 265 kg per cow, but the critical examination of the rearing conditions reveals various difficulties, among which the feeding of the dairy cows. Various methods of improvement are suggested to allow for the structural climatic constraints.

Abstract: In many developing countries, milk production varies greatly according to farm size, cattle breed, and milking practices. However, production systems often are dominated by smallholder farms. Therefore, relatively small volumes of milk are delivered daily from numerous farms to intermediate cooperatives which supply industrial units. This paper argues that in such two-stage dairy chains, milk quality could be improved by focusing on farming practices rather than on the testing of individual deliveries. Indeed, it is difficult to analyze their quality due to technical, economic, and logistic limitations. The objective of this study is to link onfarm practices with milk chemical quality parameters (fat and protein) and hygienic quality criteria (Aerobic Plate Count, APC and Coliforms). Cattle management practices were monitored monthly over one year on 23 farms located on an irrigation scheme in Morocco. 276 milk samples were analyzed. The monthly variability of milk quality parameters was then characterized. Results show that average cow milk chemical parameters vary within a normal range. They remain primarily linked to the genetic type of cows, the lactation stage, and the conversion of feed concentrates� net energy into milk. Overall milk hygienic quality was poor (APC and Coliforms counts were 100 fold international norms), due essentially to a lack of hygiene and inadequate milking conditions (hands, udder, and teat washing, type of bucket used, dirtiness of cows...). It is suggested that a close monitoring of herd management practices may allow the indirect control of milk quality parameters, thereby avoiding costly analyses of numerous smallholder milk deliveries.

Abstract: The relationship between irrigated schemes, farms and agro-food processors may provide leeway to improve water saving and water productivity. This study was conducted in the dairy supply area of the Tadla irrigation scheme in Morocco and in the oasis area in southern Tunisia where dates are grown for export. The study was based on (i) a framework conceptualizing the relationship between production/marketing of agricultural raw material and water saving and productivity and (ii) a participatory research method aimed at supporting stakeholders in solving their production problems. Analysis of the organization of the two supply chains revealed the central role of intermediate operators in aggregating raw material and providing services to farmers. A decision support approach for dairy farmers was designed and tested in the Tadla scheme. Its use is illustrated by four scenarios that simulate the impacts of changes in both forage crops and irrigation techniques on farm income and water consumption and productivity. Lessons drawn from this work concern support for stakeholders and the integration of production functions from the irrigated scheme to the agro-processors in the whole supply chain

Abstract: 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. Intensive milk production was more frequent in the suburban zone (more concentrates and better annual milk yield per cow). When conducting a �within-region� principal components analysis, farms� discrimination appeared to take into account all management variables (feeding, cattle sales, profitability), with no reference to farms� structural parameters (arable land and number of cattle). A typology of farms was then established using cluster analysis, with 4 distinct groups, namely: a) concentrates wasters, b) farms with a relatively important milk yield per cow, c) deficit dairy farms and d) beef oriented farms. The last group included almost exclusively farms from the irrigated perimeter (5 out of 7). These results indicate that dairy production promotion in Morocco requires more than just the intensification of forage production, but should focus also on improving management practices. The extension of complete and balanced dairy rations is urgently needed to enhance milk yield and profitability.

Abstract: This study aims to characterize water productivity in cattle farms facing severe water stress. Agricultural practices were monitored on six farms in a large-scale Moroccan irrigation scheme. Results showed marked variability in forage yields, milk production and live weight gain. Mean forage biomass yields represented less than two-thirds of their potential productivity. Alfalfa was the most common forage crop, and its yield was significantly correlated to the amounts of water used for irrigation. The annual mean milk yield per cow was low (2170 kg), whereas the average live weight gain per cow and its progeny was 308 kg. Off-farm feed provided variable amounts of virtual water which represented 33% of total water uses. Results showed that 1.7m3 of total water was needed to produce 1 kg of milk, whereas 9.1m3 were needed for 1 kg of live weight gain. The economic productivity of water through milk was less efficient than through meat (respectively 0.07 and 0.25 Euros per cubic meter). Finally, the overall water productivity of cattle farming (both milk and live weight gain) was 0.14 Euros per cubic meter. Taken together, the results pointed to possible ways of improving water productivity, as many constraints were identified, from water management to farming practices.

Abstract: The conversion of water resources into milk is of main importance to the sustainability of cattle farms in irrigated schemes located in arid zones. From the example of six farms in the Tadla region (East centre of Morocco), the authors have determined the amounts of water needed to produce fodder and the amounts of feed needed to obtain milk. There is, on average, a need of 1.5 cubic meters of water (from 1.2 to 1.8) per kg of milk. The main constraints to water conversion into milk via fodder have been identified and their consequences on farm profitability characterised. At an economic level, 1 cubic meter of water used in dairy production through irrigated forage generates an average margin of 0,15 DH (about 1,4 cent of a euro as 11 DH = 1 euro). This value is highly variable, from negative (- 0.45 DH) to positive results (0.60 DH).

Abstract: The Moroccan dairy subsector has gone through an eventful recent history. The initial situation, in the early 1970s, was characterized by a high level of State regulation. At that time, there was an increasing domestic demand associated to a low availability of milk products; therefore State authorities encouraged local production and processing. But at the beginning of the 1980s, a series of structural adjustment measures were implemented and all subsidies were progressively suppressed. These sudden successive changes seriously impacted on the organization of the dairy subsector, particularly at the level of dairy cattle farms, by markedly modifying production practices. Currently, another significant stage for the Moroccan dairy subsector is the ongoing negotiation of free trade agreement with the European Union. This will lead to the end of protection for domestic dairy products and to increased competition between local and imported dairy products. In a context of market liberalization associated with the price of agricultural inputs rising on international markets, it will be essential to upgrade productive tools and policies of the subsector, which will have consequences on all operators along the commodity chain. This will be vital for the upholding of milk production, collection and transformation activities in Morocco, under conditions favorable to their sustainable development: pursuit of optimal milk yield and quality, efficient irrigation water productivity, and fair distribution of incomes generated by the subsector to all operators, with an aim to adjust the price to the purchase power of consumers.

Abstract: Le concept de chaîne d�approvisionnement est appliqué à un ensemble composé d�un bassin de collecte laitière adossé à un grand périmètre irrigué marocain pour en comprendre le fonctionnement. Quatre grands types d�acteurs sont identifiés, à savoir : le gestionnaire de périmètre, l�industriel laitier, les coopératives de collecte et les éleveursirrigants. Leurs relations sont analysées autour des dispositifs mis en place pour coordonner leurs décisions par rapport aux objectifs d�économie et de valorisation de l�eau (côté périmètre), de qualité, saisonnalité et productivité (côté bassin de collecte). Ils s�articulent autour de la planification et du pilotage des flux d�eau et de lait, d�outils économiques (système de tarification de l�eau, système de paiement du lait), d�échanges d�informations et de services liés (appui technique, fourniture d�intrants et de crédit). Les performances observées sont cependant perfectibles et différents axes de rechercheintervention sont proposés en conclusion : aide à la conception de système d�alimentation des vaches laitières sous contraintes, gestion de la qualité du lait de l�étable à l�usine et gestion des coopératives

Abstract: Dairy cattle production has always been considered as an important axis of all agricultural policies adopted by Maghreb countries since the beginning of the post Independence era (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). It has mainly been encouraged as a means of securing income and employment at the farm level. It is also considered to be a relevant way of ensuring the supply of high quality protein for rapidly growing populations characterised by changing nutritional habits. Dairy policies vary from country to country (supply with imported milk in Algeria, local dairy cattle production in Morocco and an intermediary choice in Tunisia), relying on different approaches and producing contrasting results. Thus, obvious differences exist between countries in terms of dairy performance and domestic market supply. This paper aims at comparing the recent dynamics of dairy production in the Maghreb countries with an emphasis on their future prospects: challenges due to the continuing effort to secure supply and to the upgrading of the whole supply chain by a better management of dairy goods quality and an equitable distribution of the income to dairy operators.

Abstract: This study was undertaken to assess the factors, which influence the variations of cows� milk global quality in 5 suburban dairy cattle farms in Morocco. A regular follow-up of farms was adapted to characterise cattle rearing practices. Twelve samples of bulk tank milk were collected per farm. They were analysed for physical and chemical parameters (pH, temperature, fat content, protein content...) and hygienic characteristics. Results showed that suburban dairy production is dependant on consumption of concentrates. As a consequence, average milk fat content is inferior to 35g/kg in two of the five studied farms. However, protein content is much steadier in all the farms, illustrating massive concentrates utilisation. Milk�s hygienic quality was poor and was not improved by refrigeration. A typology of milk was designed to synthesise the overall variability of samples parameters. All together, these results would recommend implementing adapted strategies to pay crude milk to farmers in relation to its quality. That would be a preliminary step to promote quality culture in the whole dairy sector in Morocco

Abstract: Agronomic engineering, as either teaching and research or provision of extension services, has always considered development, defined as improving farm results, as its principal objective. However, we may legitimately question the extent to which development has remained as the main priority in Third World countries. The gap between agricultural engineers and most family farms is clearly growing today. This trend is associated with budget constraints that restrict both research and services to farmers. Another problem is the reductionism that seeks to solve all farm problems by simple univariate experiments. Both trends amplify the differences between the perceptions of farmers and engineers. Thus, it is necessary to promote an adaptation of agricultural science methods to help agronomists understand the complexity of the farming issues common to developing countries. This positioning of agronomy towards farm development should be associated with an emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches with a crucial role for the social sciences, which are necessary to comprehend the diversity of family farms. It should be remembered that agricultural development, even if it necessitates measures other than technical innovations, remains one of the most effective ways to eradicate hunger and poverty in Third World countries

Abstract: La genèse d�un élevage laitier intensif est fort récente au Maroc. Les auteurs se proposent d�exposer les pratiques d�élevage les plus couramment mises en �uvre dans les étables laitières et de les jauger par rapport aux normes et faits scientifiques admis par la communauté des zootechniciens. Le premier constat, relatif à l�alimentation, est la rareté des ressources fourragères et l�absence de rationnement, y compris dans les zones irriguées. La priorité étant donnée aux cultures vivrières, le recours aux aliments du commerce (concentrés surtout) est important, sans que leur valeur nutritive et la façon de les employer soient réellement connues. La quête d�herbe, partout où il y en a, y compris la récupération des rebuts de coupe de gazon, est une constante. Le pâturage aux aurores, pratiqué pour des raisons diverses, demeure classique. Globalement, le cheptel laitier spécialisé supporte mal les périodes de sécheresse, ce que ne prennent guère en compte les manières de raisonner issues de l�agriculture des pays tempérés. La traite demeure le plus souvent manuelle, avec une préparation de la mamelle insuffisante du fait que, dans les conditions traditionnelles, la présence du veau dispense de le faire. L�hygiène (lavettes individuelles, trempage des trayons) n�est pas considérée comme indispensable, et il arrive même qu�après la traite, les trayons soient badigeonnés d�excréments, réminiscence d�une pratique ancestrale visant à empêcher le veau de revenir téter tout de suite. D�autres pratiques montrent que l�éleveur reste imprégné de l�élevage allaitant ancestral : prétroupeau de femelles très négligée, importance accordé au veau mâle compte tenu de sa valeur en viande. En conclusion, les auteurs soulignent que les conduits de troupeaux composes de races étrangères améliorées sont aux antipodes des exigences de ces dernières et soulignent l�intérêt qu�il y aurait à se donner les moyens de véritablement sélectionner les races locales.

Abstract: The characterisation of dairy cattle farming systems in the Rabat-Salé region, was achieved through regular enquiries of fourty eight farms representing the global variety of herding, during 2000/2001 agricultural campaign. Results show a broad variety of farmers strategies, particularly in feeding management and in cattle sales. Five groups of cattlemen have been distinguished based upon principal components and cluster analysis. First one is represented by 10 farms with limited dairy yield (2472 kg per cow) due to restricted consumption of concentrates. Average gross margin per cow was negative (-1686 Dh; -168 Euros). Second category is dominated by profitable farms (gross margin per cow = 3057Dh) with better milk yield per cow (3725 kg) combined to more important cattle sales. Third category illustrates farms which could not cope with limited forages area and therefore relied on intensive concentrates purchases, badly converted to milk. Evidently, their average gross margin was negative (- 928 Dh per cow), even though they had lost 3 heads of cattle by intensive sales (cattle represent 83.3 percent of the value of milk sales). At the opposite situation of the third group, the fourth one relies on forages, in a balanced way to satisfy cows requirements. These farms, with a milk yield per cow equal to 3258 kg, took advantage of a good valorisation of concentrates, which resulted in a production cost per kg of milk rather low (2.67 Dh). Fifth group is representative of specialised farms in suburban dairy production, because of intensive milk yield per cow (4024 kg) coupled with important use of concentrates. This was achieved even with limited sales of cattle, at the opposite of all the other categories of farms (variations in cattle stock was positive, with 12.8 cattle heads, indicating endogenous growth, due to calving). Historic and social factors behind the genesis of such farms in suburban areas of Morocco, and moreover technical skills to feed cows explain the variations in types of dairy husbandry. It was concluded, that this diversity of farming systems should be taken into account for development purposes, as specific measures, especially in the field of cattle feeding, need to be applied to each one of the livestock systems identified, to guarantee their sustainability. Generalisation of uniformed promoting programs should thus be avoided, as each group is characterised by specific technical extension needs.

Abstract: La production laitière intensive d�une étable laitière spécialisée de 70 vaches Holstein en zone pluviale présente une grande variation annuelle de ses résultats économiques (marge brute de 0,79 Dh/kg de lait en 1994/1995, à 0,33 Dh/kg en 1995/1996, année défavorable, à 0,63 Dh/kg de lait en 1996/1997). Ces changements reflètent les effets des fluctuations climatiques. Avec de faibles précipitations, les stocks fourragers engrangés sont médiocres et la production laitière aura des résultats économiques décevants, suite aux achats de concentrés pour pallier les manques de fourrages. Dans le cas d�une très forte sécheresse (1994/1995), l�éleveur peut être amené à décapitaliser son cheptel, pour sauvegarder ses vaches les plus performantes et maintenir le niveau de production par vache. D�où la relative indépendance de la productivité du troupeau (moyenne économique) vis-à-vis du climat, au prix d�un sacrifice économique. L�aléa climatique exacerbe les carences d�élevage (dépendance vis-à-vis des concentrés, intervalle vêlage-vêlage supérieur à 390 jours, mortalité des veaux supérieure à 10 %, etc.) habituellement rencontrées dans d�autres ateliers laitiers du Maroc, ce qui rend les éleveurs très vulnérables. L�ensemble de ces facteurs remet en question le schéma global de développement de la production laitière intensive en zone non irriguée au Maroc. La situation devrait être plus délicate encore pour les petits élevages (moins de 5 vaches), qui sont majoritaires dans la structure du cheptel bovin. Ces considérations devraient interpeller les décideurs à repenser la vocation d�élevage laitier des régions d�agriculture pluviale et à envisager de nouveaux systèmes de production plus adaptés à cette variabilité climatique, afin de conserver une activité agricole génératrice d�emplois dans un contexte d�exode rural intense

Abstract: L�étude du fonctionnement de huit centres de collecte du lait localisés dans zone d�agriculture pluviale de Tiflet, a montré que ces structures jouent un rôle d�intermédiaires entre éleveurs et unités industrielles laitières. Leur mode de gestion s�oppose à la promotion de l�activité laitière et justifie les reculs périodiques de la collecte. Par ailleurs, l�organisation de la production laitière dans les exploitations agricoles révèle une grande variation des décisions techniques des éleveurs. Celles-ci sont fortement conditionnées par les caractéristiques structurelles de leurs exploitations, dont les plus significatives sont la superficie agricole utile (SAU), la taille du troupeau bovin ou la part des superficies fourragères dans l�assolement. Il s�est ainsi avéré que ce sont les plus petits propriétaires fonciers (SAU < 10 ha) qui se sont le plus investis dans la production laitière, tandis que les grands propriétaires (SAU > 50 ha) accordent plus d�intérêt aux bovins allaitants et aux ovins

Abstract: L�utilisation de rations à base de paille par des brebis allaitantes de la race Sardi a été évaluée selon le type de matières azotées qui servaient à les complémenter (azote provenant du traitement de la paille à l�urée, de l�urée, et du tourteau de tournesol). L�ingestion quotidienne de matière sèche (MS) a été significativement plus élevée (P < 0,01) lorsque les brebis recevaient du tourteau de tournesol. Toutes les brebis ont maintenu un profil pondéral identique. Entre le 10ème et le 30ème jour, les agneaux dont les mères consommaient du tourteau de tournesol ont cependant réalisé des gains de poids plus élevés que les agneaux dont les mères étaient complémentées avec de l�azote non protéique. Ces différences de gain de poids peuvent avoir pour origine l�augmentation de l�ingestion de la MS par les brebis allaitantes avec les rations contenant du tourteau de tournesol. Le coût alimentaire de production d�un kilogramme de viande n�a pas différé pour les trois régimes testés.

Abstract: Performances and conditions of intensive dairy production in Morocco were studied in six herds during five years (from 1991 to 1996). Results show the importance of land surface (244.8 ha) and number of dairy cows (53.1) in comparison to the average of the country. Forages occupy less than 8% of the total area. Production performances (6016 kg of milk per cow per year) were satisfactory. Concentrates represent 73.1% of the total supply of energy. An adequate interval between calvings (391.0 days) was noted whereas the age at first calving was late (30.2 months). The analysis of dairy production characteristics revealed that production performances were highly correlated to the input of concentrates per cow, but concentrates consumption per kg of milk produced decreased with an increased milk yield. Reproduction was only influenced by the effects of annual climatic variations. These observations confirm the importance of management and environmental conditions (feeding, climate, production unit) on dairy cows performances, and illustrate the most common trends in today's dairy units in Morocco, based on the conversion of concentrates to high quality proteins.