Ruminant livestock systems in mountainous areas of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria): typology and structural determinants of farm diversity
Abstract
Background: In the mountainous region of Tizi-Ouzou in Algeria, livestock systems have changed substantially over the last thirty years, particularly with regard to management practices and feed use. Aim: We examine the factors that have led to this process, the impact on the vulnerability of ruminant livestock systems and the determinants that allow the systems to adapt. Method: A survey was conducted on 165 farms with cattle, sheep and goats. Results: Several types of livestock system were identified: i) Mixed goat production, ii) Mixed sheep production, iii) Specialized cattle breeding, and iv) Cattle associated with small goat and sheep farms. Small ruminant-based systems are characterized by low dependence on external inputs and/or finance. Their sustainable development is enhanced by the opportunities generated by growing demand. Beef systems are highly dependent on market conditions, financial support from public policies and subsidies, as well as imports of raw materials for feed. The four types identified correspond to distinct structural configurations (dominant species, land tenure, labor use, input dependence), which reflect different production choices. Conclusions: The choice of livestock species determines the type of farm system adopted to ensure farm viability. It also depends on the farm development project and production choices.
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BibTeX
@article{mouhous2026ruminant,
title = {{Ruminant livestock systems in mountainous areas of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria): typology and structural determinants of farm diversity}},
author = {Azeddine Mouhous and Veronique Alary},
journal = {Revue d'Elevage et de Médecine Vétérinaire des Pays Tropicaux},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.19182/remvt.38107},
url = {https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05823945v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Ruminant livestock systems in mountainous areas of Tizi-Ouzou (Algeria): typology and structural determinants of farm diversity
AU - Azeddine Mouhous
AU - Veronique Alary
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/25
JO - Revue d'Elevage et de Médecine Vétérinaire des Pays Tropicaux
DO - 10.19182/remvt.38107
UR - https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-05823945v1
AB - Background: In the mountainous region of Tizi-Ouzou in Algeria, livestock systems have changed substantially over the last thirty years, particularly with regard to management practices and feed use. Aim: We examine the factors that have led to this process, the impact on the vulnerability of ruminant livestock systems and the determinants that allow the systems to adapt. Method: A survey was conducted on 165 farms with cattle, sheep and goats. Results: Several types of livestock system were identified: i) Mixed goat production, ii) Mixed sheep production, iii) Specialized cattle breeding, and iv) Cattle associated with small goat and sheep farms. Small ruminant-based systems are characterized by low dependence on external inputs and/or finance. Their sustainable development is enhanced by the opportunities generated by growing demand. Beef systems are highly dependent on market conditions, financial support from public policies and subsidies, as well as imports of raw materials for feed. The four types identified correspond to distinct structural configurations (dominant species, land tenure, labor use, input dependence), which reflect different production choices. Conclusions: The choice of livestock species determines the type of farm system adopted to ensure farm viability. It also depends on the farm development project and production choices.
SN - 0035-1865
SN - 0035-1865
ER -