Sustainable development of ruminant and poultry sectors in Mayotte - DEFI ANIMAL (RITA Mayotte)

Issues

Sustainable development of ruminant and poultry sectors in Mayotte - DEFI ANIMAL (RITA Mayotte)The DEFI ANIMAL project aims to implement programmes to preserve and promote the Mahoran zebu breed for the sustainable development of local production farming is its ability to offer highly lucrative local products (fresh or curdled milk, meat on the hoof). These high product prices are explained by the associated ceremonial and cultural value, which  offers them a guaranteed outlet, especially as demand largely outstrips supply. In such a context, the main question for research and development is clearly identified by the livestock professionals: How is it possible to sustainably improve the zootechnical performance of herds and livestock farmer incomes, faced with severe environmental constraints, such as health pressures, climate stress or seasonal variability of fodder availability and quality?

The local zebu breed has a particularly important role to play in the livestock development plans on the island, especially in the local family type production systems.

Description 

Phase 1 of the DEFI ANIMAL project provided answers to a certain number of questions. For example, work was undertaken to establish better management of livestock skin diseases, or to optimize the use of local breeds by launching primary characterization of the zebu breed and sheep breed. Phase 2 of the DEFI ANIMAL project proposes targeting the major health problems already existing, or which could be introduced, which are an obstacle to the economic development of livestock farming, and testing some innovative and adapted tools, or strategies, intended for livestock farmers, so that they produce more and better, in a vulnerable island context.

The DEFI ANIMAL2 project breaks down into 2 sub-projects:

• “SANTE”, which seeks to limit the impact of health constraints on commercial breeding through better management of preventive and health measures ; 
• “REANIM”, which seeks to characterize and make optimum use of animal genetic resources in Mayotte.

Expected changes 

Expected changes of the DEFI ANIMAL project:

• Improved production levels for meat, milk and eggs by improving livestock farming practices and genetic improvement of the local ruminant populations; 
• Strengthening/structuring of animal supply chains and diversification of the processing and marketing capacities for local produce;
• Improvement and diversification of services and back-up for producers;
• Securing animal production in terms of health risks.

Expected impacts  

Sustainable intensification of animal production supply chains (meat, milk and eggs) with sustainable marketing channels through the professionalization of livestock farmers and stakeholders in those supply chains, while working to secure production in terms of health risks.