The aim of this study is to explore the technical and economic aspects of cattle farms in mountain areas and to identify their technical constraints and potentialities. One hundred dairy cattle farmers were surveyed for seven months. The results show that the average farm size is 13 dairy cows and shows considerable variability at the sample level. For one-third of the farms, stabling is almost permanent and feed concentrate used as supplement (on average 7 kg /cow/day). 85% of the factors of production (useful agricultural area and possession of tractor) are owned by 45% of the breeders. Cow productivity averages is around 10.5 kg / day with two milkings / day. In addition, the average self-consumption of milk is 6 kg / day, which represents 2.8% of milk production. Feed expenses represent 90% of production costs. Annual income range from 99 909 AD / livestock unit (LU) nearly 148 421 AD / livestock unit. This variation is a function of the endowment of production resources. Subsidies for milk production represent 58% of the average income of farmers, what shows the low yield of dairy cattle farms. Today, with the drastic reduction in financial resources, dairy production development policies should focus on strategies to improve cow productivity and profitability in those areas.

The main objective of this study is to comprehensively examine and analyze the various stages and components of the sheep meat value chain in Algeria. Specifically, this research aims to investigate the production, processing, distribution, and marketing aspects of sheep meat in a highly productive region within the Wilaya of Tiaret, located in northwest Algeria.A survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021, involving 57 breeders, 22 sheep dealers, 31 butchers, 2 slaughterhouse managers, and 510 consumers. The study identified two distinct marketing circuits for sheep meat in the region: one operating year-round and the other during the religious celebration of Aid El Adha. However, it was observed that the weak organization among the various actors in the value chain led to price fluctuations throughout the year.The study also revealed that sheep dealers had a lower net commercial margin than butchers, with an average of 5,902 DA per head for the former and a range of 7,200 DA to 8,200 DA for the latter, depending on the carcass category.The findings presented in this study not only contribute to academic knowledge but also serve as a practical guide for decision-makers, enabling them to implement policies that enhance the organization, efficiency, and sustainability of the sheep meat value chain in the Tiaret region.

La production laitière peut constituer une part importante des revenus dans les exploitations de montagne en Kabylie. Nos travaux ont porté sur la caractérisation des élevages bovins dans cette zone, leur mode de conduite et les stratégies adoptées. Suite à un travail antérieur sur 97 élevages, nous avons procédé à un suivi de 17 exploitations de mars 2012 à février 2013. L’étude a permis d’identifier trois types d’exploitations : a) les petites exploitations (< 8 unités de gros bétail [UGB] en moyenne) produisant principalement de la viande (type « viande ») ; b) les exploitations moyennes (12 UGB) à dominance laitière (type « lait ») ; et c) les grandes exploitations (> 46 UGB) avec une production mixte de lait et de viande (type « mixte »). L’alimentation des vaches a été basée sur du concentré toute l’année, en moyenne 8 kg/vache/ jour pour les deux premiers types d’exploitations et jusqu’à 11 kg/vache/jour pour le troisième. La vente annuelle de lait par vache a été de 3 000 kg environ pour le type viande, et de 4 000 kg pour les types lait et mixte. Les revenus des exploitations spécialisées (viande ou lait) ont été similaires (moins de 400 000 dinars algériens [DZD] par an, soit 3 896 €), alors que le type mixte a généré des revenus supérieur à 3 millions de DZD/an (soit 33 139 €). L’étude a montré que les stratégies adoptées dépendaient beaucoup de la capacité des éleveurs à obtenir des dotations. Elle permet de mieux appréhender les dynamiques actuelles des systèmes d’élevage en zone montagneuse, selon leurs atouts et leurs faiblesses.

The aim of this work is to carry out a comparative study of the costs of milk production for the two zones, plain and mountain, in the region of Tizi-Ouzou. Sixty-four farmers living in both areas were interviewed and surveyed. With an average of 12.5 cows per farm, there was no difference in the number of dairy cows between the two zones (P=0.586). Fodder consumption was 24.8 and 30.9 kg/cow/day in the mountain and plain areas respectively, a significant difference (P<0.0001). Milk productivity was not significantly different (P = 0.202) between farmers in the two areas. The average was 21.7 litres per cow per day. The total cost of producing one litre of milk was 41.05 AD/L and 35.5 AD/L respectively, a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the two areas. The cost of feeding differs significantly (P < 0.0001) between the two areas. Feed is more expensive in the mountains than in the lowlands (37.62 vs. 30.81 AD/L). The cost of buying hay was the most significant difference in feeding costs (P = 0.002). These costs were 17.43 vs. 12.73 AD/ha, respectively. There is a small difference in the cost of farm labour (P=0.095). It is lower in the mountain area (0.64 vs. 1.19 AD/L) than in the plain area. The main item in the total cost of milk production is the cost of feed. It represents 90 % and 85 % respectively in the mountain and in the plain areas. Forage area is a limiting factor for the development of milk production in the Tizi-Ouzou region. In the context of territorial development, it is proposed to develop fodder and silage production in regions of Algeria where there is an abundance of arable land and to transfer this fodder to dairy basins such as Tizi-Ouzou to feed dairy farms.

This study is aimed at demonstrating the importance of public investment in developing the dairy sector through support schemes such as the CNAC (national unemployment fund). Fifty-five dairy farms benefiting from CNAC funding were surveyed. The results show that 63% of the beneficiaries have difficulties with the submission and processing of their administrative files. The lack of technical control by the CNAC services was reported by the vast majority of beneficiary farmers (83%). There has been an increase in the number of wage labourers from nine to 20% of the total farm labour force. There has been an increase in the number of farms with a small forage area (0-5 ha). Bovine livestock increased by 12%, the most important breed being the Montbeliarde. More than half of the farmers have increased the amount of concentrates distributed, from an average of 7 to 10 kg per animal per day. Green fodder is also appearing in the form of wrapped silage distributed throughout the year. Milk production increased by 7.3%, from 17.7 litres per cow per day to 19.1 litres per cow per day. Natural breeding is still practised by 42% of farmers, despite the prevalence of artificial insemination. Finally, 54 % of the farmers benefiting from the programme say that dairy production has become unprofitable because of higher production costs. It would be preferable for this mechanism to improve and simplify the administrative procedure and ensure effective follow-up of beneficiary farmers in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of CNAC funding.