Search

This study aims to investigate the effects of Origanum majorana (OM) essential oil (EO) at different concentrations and antibiotics on post-thawed Beni Arouss buck semen quality. Semen collection was performed using artificial vagina from eight Beni Arouss bucks. Ejaculates were pooled, divided into 12 equal aliquots, washed and diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/ml (with 7% of glycerol). Skim milk–based extender was supplemented with different concentrations of OM EO (0%; 0.01%; 0.02%; 0.03%; 0.04% and 0.05%) without antibiotics, marked as (CTR−), (M1−), (M2−), (M3−), (M4−) and (M5−), and with 50 mg of streptomycin and 50,000 IU of penicillin per 100 ml, marked as (CTR+), (M1+), (M2+), (M3+), (M4+) and (M5+), respectively. Aliquots were cooled to 4°C, then frozen in 0.25 ml straws with a programmable freezer and finally stored in liquid nitrogen for 48 h. Thawing was performed at 37°C for 30 s. Motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth were evaluated after thawing. Among the tested extenders, M2+ improved all semen quality parameters. Sperm motility, live sperm and membrane integrity increased significantly, while the number of abnormal sperm and bacterial growth decreased significantly. The toxic effect of OM EO, with and without antibiotics, appeared beyond 0.03%. In conclusion, M2+ is recommended to improve the cryopreservation of Beni Arouss buck semen.

The pollen of date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) is known for its nutritional value and implications as a health-promoting component. Due to its low cost, date palm pollen crushed with its spadix is more widely commercialized and used in Morocco than pure date palm pollen free of spadix. Thus, this study aimed to assess the physicochemical and phytochemical parameters, biological activities, and nutritional value of the two pollen types: Pure date palm pollen and date palm pollen crushed with its spadix. Various physicochemical parameters were determined, including humidity, water activity ( aw), total soluble solids, ash content, and color parameters ( L*, a*, b*, C*ab, and hab). Additionally, the phenolic compound profiles were analyzed, and the in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and antidiabetic activities were assessed for both pure date palm pollen and date palm pollen crushed with its spadix. Furthermore, the nutritional value was evaluated by determining protein and carbohydrate contents, and mineral and fatty acid profiles. The results have revealed that pure date palm pollen had higher humidity, aw, L*, and hab color parameters than date palm pollen crushed with its spadix, but lower total soluble solid and ash contents. The main phenolic compounds in pure date palm pollen were ellagic acid, rutin, fisetin, and quercetin, whereas date palm pollen crushed with its spadix contained mainly catechin, chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, and rutin. Moreover, pure date palm pollen showed greater in vitro antioxidant activity, while date palm pollen crushed with its spadix had higher enzyme inhibitory and antidiabetic activities. PDPS was the richest source of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, and saturated fatty acids, while date palm pollen crushed with its spadix was a better source of unsaturated fatty acids, which are mainly represented by linoleic acid. In conclusion, although date palm pollen crushed with its spadix is the most widely consumed type, its nutritional value is lower than that of pure date palm pollen. Thus, pure date palm pollen could potentially serve as a better source of many bioactive compounds, making it a viable supplement for various health applications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding behaviour of indigenous goats and the selection drivers of different plant species in a Mediterranean forest rangeland. To achieve this goal, the seasonal variations in terms of forage availability and quality of ingested plant species were studied during three grazing seasons. In the same period, eight indigenous goats of Beni Arouss breed were selected to explore the seasonal changes in their browsing behaviour. Forage quality was determined by the hand-plucking technique. The results showed a wide seasonal variation in forage availability and quality, and feeding behaviour. Woody species were more selected independently of the season (p < 0.001). The crude protein content varied from 53.3 g/kg of dry mater (DM) for Erica arborea in summer to 197 g/kg DM for Calicotome villosa in autumn (p < 0.001). Despite the high condensed tannins content in selected shrubs, they were highly consumed. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) had recorded the highest contents in herbaceous during spring. Shrubs and trees contain the lowest levels of IVOMD (

In the Mediterranean area, the olive cake (OC) and cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative resources widely available that could be used for ruminants’ feeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of OC and/or CC diet incorporation on the production performance and quality of goat milk. Forty-four lactating goats were randomly allocated to four groups. The control one (Co) received a conventional feed. Test groups (TOC; TCC and TOC+CC) received 20% OC, 30% CC, or 15% OC and 20% CC, respectively, on concentrate dry matter basis. Over three months, milk production was evaluated, and samples were collected to analyze the milk quality. No significant differences were observed between control and test groups for daily milk production, yield, composition and acidity. In milk fat, OC incorporation increased C18:1n-9, mono-unsaturated (MUFA) and n-9 fatty acid (FA), and decreased 9t-C18:1 and poly-unsaturated FA (PUFA) (p < 0.05). Significantly highest contents of C15:0, C18:1n-9, and C21:0, and lowest levels of C4:0, 9t-C18:1, 6t-C18:2, C20:0, and PUFA were obtained with cactus cladodes administration (p < 0.05). The TOC + CC diet reduced C4:0, 9t-C18:1, 6t-C18:2, C22:6n-3, and PUFA proportions, and increased C18:1n-9, MUFA/PUFA, and thrombogenic indexes. The incorporation rates of OC and CC that could reach 20% and 30%, respectively, had no major negative effects on milk production performance, composition, and quality. Thus, they could be introduced in the diets of lactating goats.

The olive cake (OC) and the cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative feed resources widely available in the southern Mediterranean region that could be used in ruminants’ diet. Their impact on the rumen bacterial ecosystem is unknown. This work aims to evaluate their effects on the microbial community and meat fatty acids of goat’s kids. Forty-four goat kids were divided into four groups receiving diets with conventional concentrate, or 35% OC, or 30% CC, or 15% OC, and 15% CC. After 3 months, these animals were slaughtered, and the rumen liquor and longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles samples were collected. Animals receiving a control diet had rumen liquor with high acidity than test groups (p < 0.001). Test rumen liquor was more adapted to digest efficiently their matching diet than control liquor (p < 0.05). These feedstuffs did not affect rumen bacteria abundance and alpha diversity (richness, evenness, and reciprocal Simpson indexes), and these results were confirmed by beta-diversity tests (NMDS plot, HOMOVA, PERMANOVA). The test diets slightly affected the individual fatty acids of meat (p < 0.05) without effect on fatty acids summaries, indexes, and ratios. Thus, these alternative feed resources could take place in goat kids’ diet to diversify their feed and to reduce feed costs.

In the Mediterranean basin, the silvopastoral system has always been part of the regional economy. Silvopastoral areas contribute significantly to the development of the ecological and socio-economic factors of territorial sustainability. However, little attention has been paid to reviewing the importance, historical evolution, socio-economic conditions, and climate change impact of the southern Mediterranean region of northern Morocco. This review casts light on research on the silvopastoral systems in Morocco with a focus on the Mediterranean side. Sixty-nine peer-reviewed publications were selected for this systematic review. The findings revealed that silvopastoral areas play a very important role in animal feeding in Morocco. Animals are managed traditionally on these woodlands where they graze throughout the year. The silvopastoral system has undergone several changes over recent decades. These changes have had a direct impact on ecosystems, causing a decline in biodiversity, forest degradation, and an increase in land use at the expense of silvopastoral areas, mainly in the Mediterranean region of northern Morocco. Consequently, the sustainability of the silvopastoral systems would undoubtedly be negatively affected. The review finishes with some crucial strategies and propositions that could be encouraged to support sustainable management actions of silvopastoral resources. In the conclusion, we outline the need to assess the realistic socio-economic and ecological benefits of silvopastoral systems to promote their sustainable development.

Changes in anatomical, behavioural and seminal characteristics were measured throughout the year in seven Beni Arouss bucks maintained at a latitude of 35 °N. Testicular size varied significantly. There were the greatest values during the summer and autumn for scrotal circumference and least in the winter for testicular length. Values for most variables related to sexual behavior were not affected by season except the number of mounts before first ejaculation which was least in the summer. No differences were detected between seasons in terms of semen volume. The sperm concentration, viability and percentage of normal sperm, however, were less during the winter period. The size of sperm heads was larger in the autumn and motility of spermatozoa was greater in the summer and autumn. Results from the correlation analysis indicated that the majority of conventional seminal characteristics were correlated with testis measurements (P < 0.05; r < 0.5). Values for conventional and CASA motility variables indicated there were positive correlations between viability and progressive motility (r = 0.4; P < 0.05) and between the percentage of normal sperm and straight line and average path velocity (r = 0.4; P < 0.05). A global reproduction performance score was established for each buck, which allowed for assessment of magnitude of seasonal changes for each individual. These global score values indicated there was a greater reproductive performance for all bucks during summer and autumn. This study described for the first time seasonal variations of reproductive characteristics of Beni Arouss bucks and results indicate that even though there is a maximal capacity for reproductive performance during the summer and autumn, breeding should be possible throughout the year.

Chapter 3.2: Resources – Food of the First Mediterranean Assessment Report (MAR1) published by MedECC in November 2020., Preferred citation: Mrabet R, Savé R, Toreti A, Caiola N, Chentouf M, Llasat MC, Mohamed AAA, Santeramo FG, Sanz-Cobena A, Tsikliras A 2020: Food. In: Climate and Environmental Change in the Mediterranean Basin – Current Situation and Risks for the Future. First Mediterranean Assessment Report [Cramer W, Guiot J, Marini K (eds.)] Union for the Mediterranean, Plan Bleu, UNEP/MAP, Marseille, France, pp. 237-264, doi:10.5281/zenodo.7101080.

Mediterranean forest rangelands offer an important feed source for goats. Concerns about grazing strategies and management schemes in order to ensure the rangeland sustainability of Southern Mediterranean forest have revived interest in the foraging behavior of goats. This study was conducted to investigate the seasonal changes of feeding behavior of grazing goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland of Northern Morocco during two consecutive years beginning in 2016. The direct observation method was used to compare diet composition, intake rate, and diet selectivity of goats during three seasons (spring, summer, and fall). Bite mass of each plant species selected by goats was estimated using hand-plucked simulation. The optimal foraging theory was used as a tool to explain the goats foraging decisions. Bite mass range was extremely wide and varied seasonally. The goats&rsquo, diet was largely composed of Cistus spp., Lavandula stoechas, Quercus spp., and Myrtus communis. The result shows that the smaller the bite mass, the higher the biting rate, leading to increased short term intake rates. The selection of various plant species during fall and summer enlarged the diet diversity of goats. As expected, goats preferred trees and some shrubs despite their low availability. Consequently, the most available species is not necessarily the most positively selected. Particular high and positive selection of Quercus suber was observed over seasons. The outcomes confirm the high adaptability and ability of goats to select a woody species across seasons. Knowledge about forage availability and the feeding behavior of goats could be used as the first guide for rangeland managers to ensure herd and forest sustainability.

In northern Morocco, forest and silvopastoral areas have always formed an integral part of goat feeding and consequently of extensive livestock systems. However, it was reported that these areas are now going through a gradual degradation mainly due to overgrazing, resulting in land use-land cover (LULC) changes. Doubts persist about actual goat grazing impacts on forest and silvopastoral cover changes. Detecting and understanding drivers of LULC changes has become a central component of current strategies for managing natural resources to implement appropriate development policies. The objectives of this study were to assess the forest and silvopastoral cover changes and transition among five major land cover classes that took place in the last three decades (1984–2014), to verify the hypothesis that goats act as a main driver of forest and silvopastoral degradation, and to explore the perception of stakeholders based on remote sensing data, field surveys, and overall statistics. Between 1984 and 2014, forest and silvopastoral areas declined by 25% (matorral included). Farmers and local institutions all agreed that drought, fire, soil erosion, and population growth are the most striking drivers of forest and silvopastoral decreases. One being utilitarian and the other protectionist, they have conflicting perceptions about the effect of agricultural expansion, authority policy, deforestation, and overgrazing. The forest cover change is impacted by interaction among different change drivers. The levels of forest degradation depend on the intensity of this interaction. The outcomes confirm the alarming decrease in the amount of forest and silvopastoral cover. These results can be used as the first guide for future studies and decision-makers, focusing on the real drivers of forest and silvopastoral degradation, so as to develop targeted intervention to secure sustainable and sufficient resources needed for animal and population well-being.

Nineteen microsatellite markers were used to tag 668 goats from Spanish breeds from the Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands and a population from north Morocco. The mean value of the allelic number per locus for the whole population studied was 12.7. The Moroccan population showed the highest values in allelic richness (8.043), with a mean number of alleles per locus of 10.7 and 17 private alleles. The levels of breed differentiation were relatively low (FST = 0.05). The AMOVA analysis revealed a significant genetic differentiation among populations, but only 4.96% of the variance could be explained by differences between the 13 populations. Most of the variation (93.42%) was due to variation within individuals. The dispersion of the breeds, according to the Correspondence Analysis, was consistent with the geographical locations of the different populations studied. We used microsatellite markers to carry out the first genetic study, which included a population from northern Morocco and 12 Spanish goat breeds which were mainly bred in southern Spain and the Canary Islands. All the approaches used showed that the Spanish and, in particular, the Moroccan population, presented an important level of genetic diversity. We reported that the Agrupacion de las Mesetas, Payoya and Malaguena breeds differ little and have a closer relationship with the Moroccan population. As for the Payoya and Malaguena breeds, this indicated that geographical proximity favoured the gene flow between them. Our results showed that the population studied had a robust structure, with a clear differentiation between the Moroccan population and the Spanish goat breed. The cluster of three Canary Island breeds was completely separate. Coincidences in geographical location and the genetic structures suggested that common ancestries and/or genetic flow between the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa may have occurred over a long period of time or more recently.

Whole genome sequences (WGS) greatly increase our ability to precisely infer population genetic parameters, demographic processes, and selection signatures. However, WGS may still be not affordable for a representative number of individuals/populations. In this context, our goal was to assess the efficiency of several SNP genotyping strategies by testing their ability to accurately estimate parameters describing neutral diversity and to detect signatures of selection. We analysed 110 WGS at 12× coverage for four different species, i.e., sheep, goats and their wild counterparts. From these data we generated 946 data sets corresponding to random panels of 1K to 5M variants, commercial SNP chips and exome capture, for sample sizes of five to 48 individuals. We also extracted low-coverage genome resequencing of 1×, 2× and 5× by randomly subsampling reads from the 12× resequencing data. Globally, 5K to 10K random variants were enough for an accurate estimation of genome diversity. Conversely, commercial panels and exome capture displayed strong ascertainment biases. Besides the characterization of neutral diversity, the detection of the signature of selection and the accurate estimation of linkage disequilibrium (LD) required high-density panels of at least 1M variants. Finally, genotype likelihoods increased the quality of variant calling from low coverage resequencing but proportions of incorrect genotypes remained substantial, especially for heterozygote sites. Whole genome resequencing coverage of at least 5× appeared to be necessary for accurate assessment of genomic variations. These results have implications for studies seeking to deploy low-density SNP collections or genome scans across genetically diverse populations/species showing similar genetic characteristics and patterns of LD decay for a wide variety of purposes.

SummaryThe goal of this study was to characterize the Hamra goat population and to determine if Hamra goats of Beni Arouss and Rommani regions belong to the same population. Eleven morphometric traits of 157 Hamra animals (94 from Beni Arouss and 63 from Rommani) were used for this study. Overall, heart girth, body length, height at withers (HaW), height at rump (HS), chest depth (ChD), pelvis width (PW), chest width (CW), cannon circumference, head length (HeL), head width (HeW) and horn length (HL) of Hamra goats averaged 81.3, 61.5, 64.8, 65.3, 40.9, 19.3, 20.2, 9.67, 28.0, 26.3 and 23.4 cm, respectively. The effect of region was significant only on HaW, PW, HeL, HeW and HL, indicating certain homogeneity among goats of the two regions. Moreover, the inter region variance component ranged from 0 percent (absence of variability) for HS, CW, ChD and ChD to 18.5 percent for HeL, suggesting that the variability of body measurements between Beni Arouss and Rommani regions is very low. The factor analysis revealed four factors, which accounted for 73.5 percent of the total variance. The most discriminant variables between the two populations were HeL, HeW, PW and CW. The Mahalanobis distance between the two populations was 1.197, suggesting that there was genetic exchange between the two populations. The discriminant analysis showed that 80.9 percent of Rommani and 50.0 percent of Beni Arouss individuals were classified into their respective population. Results obtained will help in developing improvement and preservation strategies for the Hamra goat population.

Context: Strategies for achieving greater ruminant livestock productivity are essential to meet the food demands of growing populations, but sustainable changes are difficult to identify given the inherent complexity of such systems. Systems models can address this issue by allowing the impact of potential changes to be explored.Aims: To develop a holistic systems model for goat production in an extensive Mediterranean environment which could allow changes in key management factors influencing the system to be investigated.Methods: Initially, a conceptual comprehensive stock-and-flow model of a representative Mediterranean goat production system was constructed. This was used to identify informative indicators that would represent the overall technical and economic performance of the system. Sub-models were then assembled to build the full systems model. The model was parameterised with data collected over 3 years for goat holdings in northern Morocco. Scenario analysis techniques are used to explore the strategies that optimise performance under climate and feed price challenges.Key results: Meat production is particularly important during periods of drought when increased meat yields can counteract the expected reduction in milk yields, to protect human food security, prevent excessive rangeland degradation and preserve natural nutritional resources. Feed price shocks during drought can have significant negative impacts on the system and zero feed input is shown to be a more sustainable strategy than reliance on high price feed during drought. Any alternative feed sources need to have a high forage component to reduce grazing periods significantly and promote rangeland preservation.Implications: A diverse management strategy with a mixed meat and dairy semi-intensive production is more stable than specialised dairy systems and allows goat production and financial viability of intensification to be maintained under climatic stress; maintaining meat production was necessary to optimise performance.Conclusions: The model allows improved insight into management strategies which could optimise animal husbandry performance in goat subsistence systems. However, the work also demonstrates the difficulty of constructing a truly holistic model since, to be practical, such constructs must necessarily be bounded; parameter selection and the limits to the boundaries imposed are inevitably critical.

The efficacy of eight combinations of fluorogestone acetate (FGA, 20 or 40 mg as intravaginal device during 11 days), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 300 or 500 UI injected 48 hours before FGA removal) and prostaglandin F2α (cloprostenol, 0 or 50 μg injected 48h before FGA removal) aiming at induction and synchronization of oestrus and ovulation was evaluated during the anoestrus season in spring and during the breeding season in autumn in adult Beni Arouss goats. Oestrus behaviour was recorded between 12 and 60 hours after FGA removal. Blood samplings allowing to assess onset of the preovulatory LH surge and increase of progesterone as sign of an active corpus luteum were performed respectively between 20 and 60 hours and 3, 5, 8 and 15 days after FGA removal. No season‐related differences (spring versus autumn) were observed for oestrus response (95 versus 93%), preovulatory LH surge (94 versus 84%) and luteal response after 3 to 8 and 11 to 15 days post‐treatment (respectively 92 versus 66% and 92 versus 98%). The onset of oestrus (21 [13‐53] versus 32 [12‐54] hours) and LH surge (26 [20‐60] versus 38 [22‐60] hours) occurred significantly later in autumn. FGA (40 versus 20 mg) in autumn significantly delayed the onset of oestrus (36 [16‐54] versus 23 [12‐47] hours) and LH surge (44 [26‐58] versus 33 [22‐60] hours). Significant treatment‐related differences were recorded for onset of LH surge (earliest for 20 mg FGA, 300 IU eCG, 50 μg PGF2α) and onset of luteal phase (latest for 40 mg FGA, 300 IU eCG, 50 μg PGF2α).In conclusion, the hormone combinations tested appeared equally effective in terms of oestrus and ovulation rates. Season has influenced significantly the onset of oestrus and LH surge and the high dose regimen of FGA delayed the ovarian response in autumn., The efficacy of eight combinations of fluorogestone acetate (FGA, 20 or 40 mg as intravaginal device during 11 days), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 300 or 500 UI injected 48 hours before FGA removal) and prostaglandin F2α (cloprostenol, 0 or 50 μg injected 48h before FGA removal) aiming at induction and synchronization of oestrus and ovulation was evaluated during the anoestrus season in spring and during the breeding season in autumn in adult Beni Arouss goats. Oestrus behaviour was recorded between 12 and 60 hours after FGA removal. Blood samplings allowing to assess onset of the preovulatory LH surge and increase of progesterone as sign of an active corpus luteum were performed respectively between 20 and 60 hours and 3, 5, 8 and 15 days after FGA removal. No season-related differences (spring versus autumn) were observed for oestrus response (95 versus 93%), preovulatory LH surge (94 versus 84%) and luteal response after 3 to 8 and 11 to 15 days post-treatment (respectively 92 versus 66% and 92 versus 98%). The onset of oestrus (21 [13-53] versus 32 [12-54] hours) and LH surge (26 [20-60] versus 38 [22-60] hours) occurred significantly later in autumn. FGA (40 versus 20 mg) in autumn significantly delayed the onset of oestrus (36 [16-54] versus 23 [12-47] hours) and LH surge (44 [26-58] versus 33 [22-60] hours). Significant treatment-related differences were recorded for onset of LH surge (earliest for 20 mg FGA, 300 IU eCG, 50 μg PGF2α ) and onset of luteal phase (latest for 40 mg FGA, 300 IU eCG, 50 μg PGF2α ). In conclusion, the hormone combinations tested appeared equally effective in terms of oestrus and ovulation rates. Season has influenced significantly the onset of oestrus and LH surge and the high dose regimen of FGA delayed the ovarian response in autumn.

The main goal of this work was to study the genetic diversity of the Northern Morocco goat population through the analysis of 19 microsatellites in 144 animals from 61 herds. To detect a possible population structure, three distinct geographic subpopulations were characterized as a function of climate and environmental influences. Most of the markers were highly polymorphic, and the results revealed considerable genetic variation across the studied loci. A total of 204 alleles were detected, with an average number of 10.7 per locus. The PIC average was 0.728, and four microsatellites showed a significant deviation (p< 0.05) from Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that only 0.5% of the variation corresponded to differences among subpopulations, and 99.5% corresponded to differences among individuals. Factorial correspondence analysis showed intense admixtures across the putative subpopulations, and the subdivision related to geographical or environmental adaptation was undetectable. The Northern Morocco goat population presented high genetic diversity and a lack of population structure. The main reason for these findings is the absence of the breed concept (reproductively closed population), resulting in uncontrolled crossbreeding with exotic breeds and other local goats.

Goats are important contributors to both food and financial security of the resource poor, particularly in marginal environments such as those in the Mediterranean region. To fully understand the feasibility and potential consequences of any intensification or husbandry changes that could contribute to higher outputs, it is important to have a thorough prior understanding of the functional dynamics of these systems. Here the current performance of ten goat holdings in the northern region of Morocco, classified as either commercial milk producers, commercial cheese producers or non-commercial dairy producers, was recorded, based on the Food and Agricultural Organisation and International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (FAO-CIHEAM) technical and economic indicators, to assess whether intensification of dairy production was financially viable. Fecundity and prolificacy rates were comparatively lower than those achieved by many European Mediterranean herds. Both kid and doe mortality were higher on commercial dairy holdings, where dairy sales provided an additional, rather than alternative, source of income to goat sales. Despite this, due to significantly higher expenditure on supplementary feed, gross margin per doe did not differ significantly between holding types. With the exception of indigenous Greek herds, all European Mediterranean herds outperform those of northern Morocco. The study suggests that a low level of supplementary feeding is constraining goat dairy production in northern Morocco, and that the current high cost and limited availability of additional supplementary feed restricts the financial viability of intensification. Alternative feeding strategies within a participatory approach that might ameliorate these problems, and value chain constraints, are discussed.

The overview of the sheep and goat sectors around the Mediterranean Basin shows permanentand common traits and these sectors have always a peculiar importance. But drastic changes have beenobserved for the last decade with a decreasing share of sheep and goat meat supply with new trends in marketing. The sheep and goat milks play always a significant role in the region but with changes in the demandof consumers and a growing demand for goat milk products. But the future of these sectors cannot be ex -plored only through the markets and the consumers’ behaviours which have to be connected to the farmers’decision processes and the social and economic situation of the hinterlands. The pastoral components of theproduction systems appear to be a good lever to prospect their futures. The remuneration of eco –systemicservices (to prevent fire, protect bio-diversity, and preserve landscapes, for instance), the enhancement ofagro-ecological characteristics of pastoral systems and products (based on local breeds, use of natural feeding resources, local marketing on short chains...), the certification and labelling of pastoral products in relation to the other activities of the territories are all possible ways to improve the value chains of sheep andgoats. In all cases, the improvement of the information systems for these pastoral sectors, the reorganizationof training programs and implementation of more efficient extension services is necessary to concretize theseoutlooks and depends of the internal dynamics, choices and balances of powers within each territory, Un balayage de la situation des secteurs ovins et caprins dans le bassin méditerranéen montre qu’ilsy ont toujours une importance particulière avec des traits communs et permanents. Mais des changementsdrastiques ont pu être observés lors de la dernière décennie avec une part décroissante des viandes de petitsruminants dans la consommation carnée et de nouvelles tendances en matière de marketing. Les laits de brebis et de chèvres jouent toujours un rôle important dans la région, mais avec des changements dans lademande des consommateurs et une demande croissante pour les produits à base de lait de chèvre. Maisl’analyse des marchés et du comportement des consommateurs ne suffit pas à appréhender l’avenir de cessecteurs dans la mesure où il dépend aussi des facteurs de décision des éleveurs et de la situation socialeet économique de chaque arrière-pays concerné. A cet égard, les composantes pastorales des systèmes deproduction ovins et caprins, qui constituent une de leurs spécificités, semblent être un bon levier pour appréhender leurs perspectives futures. La rémunération des services éco systémiques qu’ils rendent (en termesde prévention des incendies, de préservation de la biodiversité, de protection des paysages, par exemple),l’amélioration des caractéristiques agro-écologiques des systèmes et des produits pastoraux (basée sur lavalorisation de races locales, l’utilisation de ressources alimentaires naturelles, la commercialisation en circuits courts,...), la certification et l’étiquetage des produits pastoraux en lien avec les autres activités des territoires sont toutes des voies possibles pour améliorer les chaînes de valeur des petits ruminants. Dans tousles cas, l’amélioration des systèmes d’information pour ces secteurs pastoraux, la réorganisation des programmes de formation et la mise en œuvre des services de vulgarisation plus efficaces et généralisés sontnécessaires pour concrétiser ces perspectives. Leur mise en œuvre dépend des dynamiques internes, deschoix et des rapports de force au sein de chaque territoire.

The present study characterizes the mitochondrial DNA diversity of Moroccan goats. 150 goats of different phenotypic entities were sampled over four geographic regions covering most of the Moroccan territory and the HVI segment of their mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region was sequenced. The 150 Moroccan goats represented 97 haplotypes for this mtDNA fragment. Most of this diversity was present within phenotypic entities and within geographic regions. This weak genetic structure may result from the fact that all haplotypes were already mixed in the populations that colonized Morocco and/or the existence of recurrent gene flows from Mediterranean routes. Comparing the Moroccan haplotype diversity to that of 21 haplotypes representative of the worldwide diversity showed that all the Moroccan goats studied belonged to the A haplogroup that is preponderant in the world. The haplotypes of the Northern region appeared to be less diverse, what would probably reflect a stronger founder effect in this region.

Goat production in North Morocco represents a livelihood base for resource-poor producers in need of technological change. Considering that reproduction aspects of these animals have not been assessed yet, this study characterized their main reproduction characteristics under the prevailing photoperiod at latitude 35 ◦ N: seasonal variation in females (n = 18) and bucks (n = 6), female puberty attainment (n = 18) and gestation (n = 22). Nutritional effects on female seasonality and age at puberty of female kids were tested under two levels of nutrition: L (low) and H (high), respectively. The L does (n = 9) were fed at maintenance requirements for adult goats whereas the H does (n = 9) at twice the maintenance requirements. The H female kids (n = 9) and the L female kids (n = 9) were fed with diets to support fast and slow average daily gains, respectively. Blood samples were regularly collected from does and female kids for progesterone assay to assess ovulation occurrence; from bucks to assess seasonal testosterone changes; from pregnant does to assess progesterone profiles during pregnancy. Does displayed a marked reproductive seasonality influenced by the photoperiod. Their ovulation and estrus occurrence diminished progressively starting at the winter solstice, was completely halted from April to June and progressively resumed at the summer solstice. The seasonal pattern was uninfluenced by the feeding level. In bucks, significant seasonal changes were observed in testis measurements (scrotal circumference, testicular diameter and length), sperm characteristics (volume of the ejaculate and sperm concentration) and plasmatic testosterone, with low values in winter that increased during the spring and peaked in the summer. Puberty in females was attained at an average body weight of 17.6 kg, regardless of the feeding level provided (P > 0.05) and with high incidence of abnormal estrus cycles (60%). However, improved feeding reduced significantly puberty age by 19 days (278 ± 8 vs. 297 ± 2 days, P < 0.05). Average pregnancy length was 149.7 days and slightly longer in does kidding singles than those kidding twins (151.0 ± 1.4 days vs. 148.3 ± 1.7 days; P < 0.05). Litter size did not affect progesterone plasma concentrations. The results obtained, offer important information to consider managerial changes to improve the productivity of the prevailing production systems under extensive and intensive production plans.

National audience; The overview of the sheep and goat sectors around the Mediterranean Basin shows permanent and common traits and these sectors have always a peculiar importance. But drastic changes have been observed for the last decade with a decreasing share of sheep and goat meat supply with new trends in marketing. The sheep and goat milks play always a significant role in the region but with changes in the demand of consumers and a growing demand for goat milk products. But the future of these sectors cannot be explored only through the markets and the consumers’ behaviours which have to be connected to the farmers’ decision processes and the social and economic situation of the hinterlands. The pastoral components of the production systems appear to be a good lever to prospect their futures. The remuneration of ecosystemic services (to prevent fire, protect bio-diversity, and preserve landscapes, for instance), the enhancement of agro-ecological characteristics of pastoral systems and products (based on local breeds, use of natural feeding resources, local marketing on short chains...), the certification and labelling of pastoral products in relation to the other activities of the territories are all possible ways to improve the value chains of sheep and goats. In all cases, the improvement of the information systems for these pastoral sectors, the reorganization of training programs and implementation of more efficient extension services is necessary to concretize these outlooks and depends of the internal dynamics, choices and balances of powers within each territory.; Un balayage de la situation des secteurs ovins et caprins dans le bassin méditerranéen montre qu’ils y ont toujours une importance particulière avec des traits communs et permanents. Mais des changements drastiques ont pu être observés lors de la dernière décennie avec une part décroissante des viandes de petits ruminants dans la consommation carnée et de nouvelles tendances en matière de marketing. Les laits de bre- bis et de chèvres jouent toujours un rôle important dans la région, mais avec des changements dans la demande des consommateurs et une demande croissante pour les produits à base de lait de chèvre. Mais l’analyse des marchés et du comportement des consommateurs ne suffit pas à appréhender l’avenir de ces secteurs dans la mesure où il dépend aussi des facteurs de décision des éleveurs et de la situation sociale et économique de chaque arrière-pays concerné. A cet égard, les composantes pastorales des systèmes de production ovins et caprins, qui constituent une de leurs spécificités, semblent être un bon levier pour appré- hender leurs perspectives futures. La rémunération des services éco systémiques qu’ils rendent (en termes de prévention des incendies, de préservation de la biodiversité, de protection des paysages, par exemple), l’amélioration des caractéristiques agro-écologiques des systèmes et des produits pastoraux (basée sur la valorisation de races locales, l’utilisation de ressources alimentaires naturelles, la commercialisation en cir- cuits courts,...), la certification et l’étiquetage des produits pastoraux en lien avec les autres activités des ter- ritoires sont toutes des voies possibles pour améliorer les chaînes de valeur des petits ruminants. Dans tous les cas, l’amélioration des systèmes d’information pour ces secteurs pastoraux, la réorganisation des pro- grammes de formation et la mise en œuvre des services de vulgarisation plus efficaces et généralisés sont nécessaires pour concrétiser ces perspectives. Leur mise en œuvre dépend des dynamiques internes, des choix et des rapports de force au sein de chaque territoire.

Les effets du niveau alimentaire sur la saisonnalité de la reproduction ont été étudiés chez la brebis Timahdite dans la région du Moyen Atlas du Maroc (33° N). Des brebis adultes (3-4 ans), non gravides et non allaitantes, ont été réparties en deux lots, NH (n = 10) et NB (n = 9), en fonction de régimes alimentaires correspondant respectivement à deux et une fois leurs besoins d’entretien. Durant une année, les chaleurs ont été observées deux fois par jour et des prises de sang ont été réalisées chaque semaine pour le dosage des niveaux plasmatiques en progestérone, et en facteurs de croissance comme la leptine, l’IGF-1 et ses protéines de liaison (IGFBP-2 et IGFBP-3). Le niveau alimentaire élevé a stimulé la fonction reproductrice des brebis NH, puisqu’elles ont présenté une saison de reproduction plus longue et ont manifesté un nombre de cycles normaux significativement plus élevé que les brebis du lot NB (7,8 ± 1,4 vs 3,9 ± 1,9 ; P < 0,05). La leptine, l’IGF-1 et l’IGFBP-2 ont semblé impliqués dans cette stimulation de l’activité reproductrice. Les brebis NH ont présenté des teneurs plasmatiques significativement plus élevées que celles des brebis NB en leptine (3,79 ± 0,38 vs 3,30 ± 0,29 ng/mL ; P < 0,05) et en IGF-1 (76 ± 28 vs 58 ± 21 ng/mL ; P < 0,01), alors que la teneur plasmatique en IGFBP-2 a été significativement plus élevée chez les brebis NB (99 ± 24 vs 68 ± 21 p. 100, P < 0,01). En revanche, aucune différence significative n’a été observée pour la teneur en IGFBP-3 (103 ± 52 vs 96 ± 17 p. 100 ; P > 0,05). Ce travail a permis de conclure que la brebis Timahdite présentait une activité reproductrice saisonnière modulée par l’alimentation.

National audience; Sheep and goat sectors around the Mediterranean Basin show some permanent and common traits: -1: Sheep and goats are an identity trait of the Mediterranean area: their proportion in the domestic farm livestock is high. -2: Sheep and goats in the Mediterranean are farmed under pastoral systems (range land is a significant part of the feed). As they are able to graze under harsh conditions, they contribute in aintaining the range landscape and maintaining people in very remote and difficult areas. Pastoralism plays a strategic role in the occupation of the territories.

International audience; Since the time of their domestication, goats (Capra hircus) have evolved in a large variety of locally adapted populations in response to different human and environmental pressures. In the present era, many indigenous populations are threatened with extinction due to their substitution by cosmopolitan breeds, while they might represent highly valuable genomic resources. It is thus crucial to characterize the neutral and adaptive genetic diversity of indigenous populations. A fine characterization of whole genome variation in farm animals is now possible by using new sequencing technologies. We sequenced the complete genome at 12× coverage of 44 goats geographically representative of the three phenotypically distinct indigenous populations in Morocco. The study of mitochondrial genomes showed a high diversity exclusively restricted to the haplogroup A. The 44 nuclear genomes showed a very high diversity (24 million variants) associated with low linkage disequilibrium. The overall genetic diversity was weakly structured according to geography and phenotypes. When looking for signals of positive selection in each population we identified many candidate genes, several of which gave insights into the metabolic pathways or biological processes involved in the adaptation to local conditions (e.g., panting in warm/desert conditions). This study highlights the interest of WGS data to characterize livestock genomic diversity. It illustrates the valuable genetic richness present in indigenous populations that have to be sustainably managed and may represent valuable genetic resources for the long-term preservation of the species.