Search

Aims Worldwide, studies regarding antimicrobial resistance in rabbits are scarce. In addition, it seems that rearing conditions have important impact on emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. Thus, the authors sought to (1) assess the role of rabbits residing across diverse ecosystems as potential reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci and (2) investigate the genetic background of detected resistances. Methods and Results Faecal samples from 60 healthy farmed rabbits (one farm), 35 laboratory rabbits and 31 wild rabbits were analysed. Overall, 97 enterococci isolates were accumulated, as follows: 44 E. faecium, 37 E. faecalis, 7 E. gallinarum, 5 E. durans and 4 E. avium. E. faecalis isolates were statistically associated with farm rabbits and wild rabbits (p < 0.05). High rates of resistance were observed for tetracycline (60.8%; tetM [n = 48; 81.3%], tetO [n = 7; 11.8%] and tetL [n = 1; 1.7%]), erythromycin (43.3%; msr(A) [n = 14; 33.3%] and ermB [n = 13; 31%]), ampicillin (29.9%), streptomycin (26.8%; ant(6)-Ia [n = 3, 11.5%]) and vancomycin (21.6%; vanA [one E. faecium + one E. faecalis; 9.5%]). Low frequencies of resistance were observed for teicoplanin (9.2%), linezolid (8.2%), ciprofloxacin (7.2%) and gentamicin (1%; aac(6′)-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia). Resistance to ampicillin and vancomycin was associated with laboratory rabbits (p < 0.05). Int-Tn (Tn916/1545) was detected in 27 (27.8%) isolates, of which 10 isolates co-harboured tetM and ermB genes, while 16 comprised tetM. Conclusion Findings indicate that clinically relevant enterococci species isolated from rabbits are frequently resistant to antimicrobials and harbour a range of genes associated with the Tn916/1545 family. Significance and Impact of the study This study highlights the high rates of antimicrobial-resistant enterococci from rabbits and the occurrence of both vancomycin- and linezolid-resistant isolates, potentially representing a very serious threat to human and animal health.

[EN] This study aims to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of fenugreek seed gum (FSG), rich in galactomannans, on nutrient apparent digestibility and caecal environment, as well as on in vitro caecal fermentation of Tunisian growing rabbits. Three experimental diets were formulated, including 0, 0.25 and 0.5% of FSG (FSG0, FSG0.25 and FSG0.5, respectively) for the in vivo trial and 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 100% of FSG (FSG0, FSG0125, FSG0.25, FSG0.5 and FSG100, respectively) for the in vitro trial. In the in vivo trial, 45 weaned rabbits 31 d old (15 per treatment) were housed in individual cages until 94 d of age. Apparent digestibility coefficients were determined at two ages, from 38 to 41 and from 56 to 59 d old, and caecal traits were recorded after slaughtering. In the in vitro trial, the five experimental diets were incubated with a rabbit caecal inoculum. Gas production was measured and modelled until 72 h and the fermentation traits were measured. Apparent faecal digestibility coefficients of main nutrients and main caecal environment traits were not significantly affected by the dietary inclusion of FSG (P>0.05). However, animals fed with FSG showed lower caecal pH (–0.15; P, This study is supported by the Interministerial Commission for Science and Technology (CICYT) of the Spanish Government (AGL2017-85162-C2-1R), the Universitat Politècnica de València (Project 20180290; Spain), and the Higher School of Agriculture of Mateur of the Carthage University (Tunisia Republic). Grant assistance for Jihed Zemzmi from the Carthage University is also gratefully acknowledged.

This work aims to study the relationship between variations of the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) and the parameters of reproduction especially the first conception rate (FCR) and to determine the threshold THI value where cows' fertility rate dropped in 12 Holstein dairy herds raised in the arid climatic conditions of Tunisia. THI values were calculated over 22 years (1996-2018), and the mean monthly temperature and relative humidity data were obtained from the Meteorological Institute of Tunisia. A total of 20,396 individual records (Insemination and calving dates) were extracted from the Livestock and Pasturing Office (OEP, Tunisia) with regard to the highest THI before breeding, on the breeding day, and after breeding. Statistical analysis was performed using the GLM procedure of SAS software. Results point to the fact that a summer heat stress exists in southeast Tunisia and lasts for 4 months starting from June until September with THI values fluctuating between 73 ± 2.38 and 79 ± 3.01 exceeding, therefore, THI threshold of 72. Increased THI from ≤70 to ≥80 units was associated with drops in conception rate (CR) and fertility rate (FR) of 49% and 45% giving a correlation with the THI of (r = -.72, p < .05) and (r = -.74, p < .05), respectively. When cows were inseminated on extremely hot days (THI ≥ 80) preceded by cooler temperatures, pregnancy by service (P/AI) was 7% points higher than for other cows that were exposed to high temperatures before breeding. The average number of insemination was higher (p < .05) from THI ≤ 70 (2.01) compared to THI ≥ 80 (3.41). Cows calving during an absence of heat stress (THI ≤ 70) have the shortest average calving intervals (CI: 420 ± 15.1 days). Contrastly, calving in the condition of heat stress (THI ≥ 80) has the longest CI (487 ± 12.8 days). For each point increase in the THI value above 67, there is a decrease in the first conception rate by 1.39%. In this particular arid environment, high-yielding Holstein cows' breeding success is strongly affected by heat stress that takes place just before or after breeding.

A meta-analysis was performed from 66 references retained from a total of 147 ones. The aim was to study the relationship between the THI and some physiologic, metabolic and oxidative responses in sheep. The effects of the breed, physiological state and heat relieving strategies were investigated as well. PCA, GLM, one nested ANOVA and global correlations were used to assess the fixed effects. Respiration rate, rectal temperature and heart pulse vary significantly in response to THI increase. However, the magnitude of this variance is defined by the breed and the physiological state of the animal. Moreover, Mechanical heat relieving strategies allowed alleviating the drastic effects of hyperthermia on sheep physiologic responses, whereas some nutritional heat abatement strategies increased metabolic heat load and respiration rate. Antioxidant and mineral supplementations were able to protect animals from heat stress. Environmental-induced hyperthermia reduced feed intake, body weight, circulating glucose and cholesterol levels, and increased lipid and protein catabolism. Significant increase of cortisol hormone was recorded. Indeed, ambient- induced hyperthermia resulted in oxidative stress marked by a decrease of Se contents, enhanced SOD activity, high oxidative stress index, increased protein oxidation, reactive oxygen species production and MDA levels. We report here for the first time that respiration is a second source of free radicals generation in sheep under environmental-induced heat stress. Heat stress disturbs rectal temperature, respiration and heart rates, exacerbates the post absorptive metabolism as well as the antioxidant status of sheep. Therefore, animals increase their maintenance requirements at the expense of production needs, which become not priorities at all.

Egg storage duration and breeder age are probably interacting to influence egg quality, hatchability, and hatchling quality. To evaluate this interaction, the impact of breeder age (31, 42, 66 weeks) and storage duration (2, 5, 12, 19 days) was investigated on broiler breeder eggs (Arbor Acres). Thick albumen diameter and pH increased, and yolk dry matter decreased between 2 and 19 days of storage. With the increase of breeder age from 31 to 66 weeks, albumen height, percentage and dry matter and shell percentage decreased and the egg weight and yolk percentage, dry matter and diameter increased. Prolonged egg storage increased the yolk pH in all breeder ages, but earlier and steeper in the oldest breeders. Prolonged egg storage resulted in a lower hatchability of set and fertile eggs due to a higher percentage of embryonic mortality. Early mortality increased earlier and steeper with prolonged egg storage in the oldest compared to younger breeders. Between 5 and 19 days of storage, yolk free body mass, liver and proventriculus + gizzard percentages decreased, as well as hatchling length and yolk efficiency (yolk absorption per initial yolk weight). The latter effects were most pronounced in the younger than in the older breeders. Therefore, eggs are preferably stored shorter than 7 d, but if long storage (&ge, 12 days) cannot be avoided, we recommend to store eggs of older breeders when egg quality and hatchability are most important. In case hatchling quality is most important, it would be better to store eggs of younger breeders (31 weeks) for a prolonged period.

Betalains are vacuolar pigments composed of a nitrogenous core structure, betalamic acid. Betalamic acid condenses with imino compounds (cyclo-DOPA/its glucosyl derivates) or amino acids/derivates to form violet betacyanins and yellow betaxanthins. These pigments have gained the curiosity of scientific researchers in recent decades. Their importance was increased not only by market orientation toward natural colorants and antioxidants but also by their safety and health promoting properties. To date, about 78 betalains have been identified from plants of about 17 families. In this review, all of the identified pigments are presented, followed by a comprehensive discussion of their structure-activity relationship.

This study aims to investigate the thermoprotective properties of Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis. Extracts were prepared from cladodes (CE) and mesocarps (ME), then subjected to a spectrophotometric and LC-MS analyses. Lymphocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of non-stressed sheep, supplemented with CE, ME, betanin or α-tocopherol, and subjected to two thermal treatments: 40 and 41 °C, for 6 h. Viable lymphocytes and H2O2 production were evaluated. The antioxidant activity of ME was 3.43 folds higher than CE. The LC-MS analysis of CE and ME allowed identifying 11 phenolic acids, 2 flavanones, 6 flavones, 3 flavonols and 1 betanin type betacyanin. Lymphocytes mortality increased linearly as function of the severity and the duration of heat stress. This mortality was correlated with H2O2 production. At 41 °C, only ME allowed maintaining lymphocytes viability. Moreover, ME was more efficient than CE in reducing H2O2 production. This thermoprotection was ensured by betaxanthin and betacyanin pigments. Interestingly, betanin was more efficient than α-tocopherol in preventing hyperthermia-induced lymphocytes’ mortality. We report here for the first time the thermoprotective properties of cladodes and mesocarps of Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis. Betanin was able to maintain lymphocyte viability through reducing H2O2 production, and therefore the oxidative-induced heat stress.

Upper limit of thermal stability and subsequent rise of thermoregulatory functions are affected by body temperature. This study was designed to determine the effects of rectal temperature (RT) on dairy cows’ performance (heart rates (HR), respiratory rates (RR), milk yield (MY), dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, plasma concentration of vitamin C under hot climate. This study was carried out in 2009, in north-west of Tunisia using 30 Holstein cows in mid lactation. The experiment was performed in spring (15th of February-15th of March: P1) and summer (1st-30th of August: P2). On each test day, temperature-humidity index (THI), RT, HR, RR, MY, DMI, digestibility and plasma VC concentration were determined. All this parameters were affected (P < 0.001) when the THI increased from 65.62 (P1) to 83.27 (P2). Regression analyses were carried out between THI index and some parameters (HR, RR, MY, DMI, digestibility, plasma concentration of vitamin C) and between RT and same parameters (HR, RR, MY, DMI, digestibility, plasma concentration of vitamin C). Characteristics of regression analyses in the two modes were different as also were R2 and r (correlation coefficient) of the regressions. R2 in regressions on RT (R2 (RT, DMI) = 0.92 (P < 0.01); R2 (RT, MY) = 0.91 (P < 0.001)) was markedly higher relative to R2 in regressions on THI (R2 (THI, DMI) = 0.76 (P < 0.001); R2 (THI, MY) = 0.63 (P < 0.001)). The two regressions modes suggest that increasing R2 in regressions on RT confirms that rectal temperature constitutes a larger component of total variance of responses in dairy cows to hot environmental temperature.

This study was undertaken to first quantify the effect of heat stress on milk yield and components of Tarentaise in comparison to Holstein cows. A dataset of 16,143 monthly individual records of production traits was collected for 435 Tarentaise and 543 Holstein cows from 21 farms in Tunisia (2009 to 2014). This dataset was merged with meteorological data from 5 public stations relative to the 21 farms. The temperature-humidity index (THI), calculated as a combination of ambient temperature and relative humidity, was used to characterize heat stress. When the THI increased from an average value of 53.7 in winter to 75.4 in summer, the Holstein and Tarentaise cows decreased their milk production by 0.93 and 0.15 kg/day, respectively. Milk fat, protein, and urea content decreased similarly in both breeds (-2.20 g/kg, -1.40 g/kg, and -14 mg/L, respectively), and the milk somatic cell count increased for Holstein cows (+352,000/mL) while decreased for Tarentaise cows (-160,000/mL). The second aim of this study was to describe the relationship between the variations of the milk yields between the summer and the winter (Delta milk yields) and some barn characteristics during the hot season. A survey carried out on 19 of the 21 previous farms permitted to conclude that the closed buildings led to a higher decrease in milk yield between the summer and winter than the open buildings (-1.13 vs. -0.27 kg/day). A metallic roof had a more negative impact on Delta milk yields than the other roof types (-1.04 vs. -0.15 kg/day).

This study was carried out to determine the effects of dried tomato pomace (DTP) feeding on the performance and apparent digestibility of growing rabbits. A total 54, 6-week old rabbits were divided into three equal groups and fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing 0 (CON), 10 (DTP-10) and 20 (DTP-20) per cent DTP for a period of 6 weeks. A digestibility trial carried out in the second week of the growth trial indicated that the digestibility of DM and EE remained similar among the three groups. However, rabbits fed DTP-containing diets showed higher (P 0.05) differences between experimental groups in terms of weight gain, average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Interestingly, the highest level of DTP (i.e. at 20%) resulted in the lowest mortality. Moreover, supplementing the diet of rabbits with DTP decreased the cost of production and increased relative net revenue. It is concluded that the incorporation of dried tomato pomace rich in polyphenols up to 20% in the rabbitdiet contributes to improved protein digestibility.

International audience; This work describes the feasibility of using almond shell as feedstock for bioethanol production. A pre-treatment step was carried out using 4% NaOH for 60 min at 121 °C followed by 1% sulfuric acid for 60 min at 121 °C. Enzymatic saccharification of the pre-treated almond shell was performed using Penicillium occitanis enzymes. The process was optimized using a hybrid design with four parameters including the incubation time, temperature, enzyme loads, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration. The optimum hydrolysis conditions led to a sugar yield of 13.5%. A detoxification step of the enzymatic hydrolysate was carried out at pH 5 using 1 U/ml of laccase enzyme produced by Polyporus ciliatus. Fermenting efficiency of the hydrolysates was greatly improved by laccase treatment, increasing the ethanol yield from 30% to 84%. These results demonstrated the efficiency of using almond shell as a promising source for bioethanol production.

International audience; Elevated ambient temperatures affect animal production and welfare. Animal's reduced production performances during heat stress were traditionally thought to result from the decreased feed intake. However, it has recently been shown that heat stress disturbs the steady state concentrations of free radicals, resulting in both cellular and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Indeed, heat stress reorganizes the use of the body resources including fat, protein and energy. Heat stress reduces the metabolic rates and alters post-absorptive metabolism, regardless of the decreased feed intake. Consequently, growth, production, reproduction and health are not priorities any more in the metabolism of heat-stressed animals. The drastic effects of heat stress depend on its duration and severity. This review clearly describes about biochemical, cellular and metabolic changes that occur during thermal stress in farm animals.

International audience; In recent years there has been enormous interest in researching oxidative stress. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are derived from the metabolism of oxygen as by-products of cell respiration, and are continuously produced in all aerobic organisms. Oxidative stress occurs as a consequence of an imbalance between ROS production and the available antioxidant defence against them. Nowadays, a variety of diseases and degenerative processes such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune diseases are mediated by oxidative stress. Heat stress was suggested to be an environmental factor responsible for stimulating ROS production because of similarities in responses observed following heat stress compared with that occurring following exposure to oxidative stress. This manuscript describes the main mitochondrial sources of ROS and the antioxidant defences involved to prevent oxidative damage in all the mitochondrial compartments. It also deals with discussions concerning the cytotoxic effect of heat stress, mitochondrial heat-induced alterations, as well as heat shock protein (HSP) expression as a defence mechanism.

Opuntia ficus-indica belongs to the Cactaceae family and is widespread in semi-arid and arid regions. Cactus pears are known for their health promoting properties which are due to a variety of bioactive molecules. This study aims to identify and quantify phenolic acids, flavonoids and betanin from spineless Opuntia ficus-indica fruits. Fresh mature samples were crushed, and extracted with 50% aqueous ethanol. The identification process was carried out using a Shimadzu high performance liquid chromagraph equipped with a quadrupole mass spectrum. Quantification was made using calibration curves of analytical standards. 9 phenolic acids, 1 flavan-3-ol, 2 flavanones, 3 flavonols, 6 flavones and 2 betacyanins were identified. Important levels of betanin, quinic acid, cirsiliol, acacetin, trans cinnamic acid, rutin and naringin were calculated. Our results indicated that Opuntia ficus-indica fruits are an important dietary source of phenolic compounds and betalains with high antioxidant capacity.

En Tunisie centrale, l'élevage ovin reste très présent, malgré les nombreuses perturbations auxquelles il fait face depuis les années 1970 : aléas climatiques, évolutions socio-économiques et culturelles, développement des cultures. Ces évolutions entraînent une diminution des ressources issues des parcours. Il s'agit de comprendre comment des familles maintiennent une activité d'élevage dans ce contexte. L'étude a été menée grâce à une enquête réalisée en 2012-2013 chez 60 éleveurs. Quatre systèmes d'élevage ont été identifiés. Trois systèmes reposent sur l'élevage de brebis et la production d'agneaux plus ou moins finis. Les " pasteurs transhumants " utilisent la mobilité à grande distance pour accéder à des parcours de végétation spontanée, gérés par l'État. Les " agriculteurs-éleveurs " utilisent le pâturage des chaumes et d'autres ressources issues des terres cultivées, ce qui leur donne une plus grande capacité d'adaptation face aux changements. Les " pluriactifs " se révèlent les plus affectés par l'occupation des terres par les cultures, au détriment des parcours dont leur élevage dépend encore. Dans ces systèmes naisseurs, une forte proportion d'éleveurs pense diminuer leurs effectifs, voire même abandonner l'activité d'élevage, face aux difficultés qu'ils rencontrent. Un quatrième système, les " négociants-engraisseurs ", s'est fortement développé, fondé sur l'engraissement au grain d'agneaux achetés, sans élevage de brebis. Cette activité est rentable à court terme, mais s'avère toutefois vulnérable face aux variations des prix des compléments alimentaires.

Olive Cake (OC) generated by the olive oil industries, well implanted in Tunisia, represents a major disposal and potentially severe pollution problem. This work presents the study of bioconversion of OC in solid state fermentation with the medicinal mushroom, Fomes fomentarius so as to upgrade its nutritional values and digestibility for its use as ruminants feed. The fungus was cultured on OC for 7-30 d, and subsequently the chemical composition, lignocellulolytic enzyme activities and in vitro digestibility of the resultant substrate were determined. The results obtained showed an increase in the crude protein ranging from 6% to 22% for the control and for treated OC, respectively. Significant (P0.05) decreases in the values of neutral detergent fiber (hemicelluloses, cellulose and lignin), acid detergent fiber (lignin and cellulose) and acid detergent lignin were detected (23%, 13% and 10%, respectively). The estimated in vitro digestibility improved from 9% (control) to 25% (treated OC). The present findings revealed F. fomentarius to be an efficient organism for lignocellulolytic enzymes production and simultaneous enhancement in crude protein and in vitro digestibility of OC.

International audience; Among trans fatty acids, trans-10,cis-12 CLA has negative effects on cow milk fat production and can affect human health. In high-yielding dairy cows, a shift from the trans-11 to the trans-10 pathway of biohydrogenation (BH) can occur in the rumen of cows receiving high-concentrate diets, especially when the diet is supplemented with unsaturated fat sources. In some but not all experiments, vitamin E has been shown to control this shift To ascertain the effects of vitamin E on this shift of BH pathway, 2 studies were conducted. The first study explored in vitro the effects of addition of natural (RRR-alpha-tocopherol acetate) and synthetic (DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate) vitamin E. Compared with control and synthetic vitamin E, the natural form resulted in a greater trans-10 I trans-11 ratio; however, the effect was very low, suggesting that vitamin E was neither a limiting factor for rumen BH nor a modulator of the BH pathway. An in vivo study investigated the effect of natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) on this shift and subsequent milk fat depression. Six rumen-fistulated lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a 2 x 2 crossover design. Cows received 20-kg DM of a control diet based on corn silage with 22% of wheat, and after 2 wk of adaptation, the diet was supplemented with 600 g of sunflower oil for 2 more weeks. During the last week of this 4-wk experimental period, cows were divided into 2 groups: an unsupplemented control group and a group receiving 11 g of RRR-alpha-tocopherol acetate per day. A trans-10 shift of ruminal BH associated with milk fat depression due to oil supplementation of a high-wheat diet was observed, but vitamin E supplementation of dairy cows did not result in a reversal toward a trans-11 BH pathway, and did not restore milk fat content.

Cacti are known for their minimum water requirement. They grow extensively in arid lands, where they were traditionally used for both human and animal food. Opuntia ficus-indica, commonly referred to as prickly pear or nopal cactus, was known as a medicinal plant, owing to its rich composition in polyphenols, vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and amino acids. This makes cactus pear a promising crop for commercial food applications. Recent scientific investigations showed thatcactus products may be efficiently used as a source of foods additives, mainly fibre, colorants and antioxidants. Tablets, cookies and other forms of fibre derived from cactus cladodes are currently marketed in severalAmerican countries. This review details the main functional phytochemicals characterizing different tissues of Opuntia ficus-indica.

In Tunisia, the Tarentaise cow, a dual-purpose rustic breed was imported from the northern region of the French Alps. The aim of this PhD work was to study the adaptation of Tarentaise breed to heat stress, in particular during summer climatic conditions of Tunisia.To achieve our goals, two different studies were conducted. The first study was carried out to quantify the effect of heat stress on milk yield and components of Tarentaise in comparison to Holstein cows (by means of a data base of 16,400 monthly individual records of production traits from 21 farms situated in the North of Tunisia), and then to describe the relationship between the variations of milk yield during summer and some characteristics of the barns (by means of a survey carried out on 19 of the 21 previous farms). When the temperature-humidity index (THI) increased from an average value of 53.7 in winter to 75.4 in summer, the Holstein and Tarentaise cows decreased their milk yield by 0.93 and 0.15 kg/d, respectively. Milk fat, protein, and urea contents decreased similarly in both breeds, while somatic cell count increased for Holstein (+352,000/mL) and decreased for Tarentaise cows (−160,000/mL). The survey showed that closed buildings amplified the impact of heat stress and led to a more pronounced decrease in milk yield between summer and winter than open buildings (−1.13 vs. −0.27 kg/d), as well as metallic roofs compared to the other roof types (−1.04 vs. −0.15 kg/d).The second study was implemented in a commercial farm to quantify the effects of summer heat stress on some physiological parameters of Tarentaise cows. At the same time, we studied changes in milk production when we provided to the cows a more balanced diet during heat stress conditions. As expected, when the THI increased on average from 52.9 during winter to 77.4 during summer, cows had higher respiratory rate, heart rate, rectal temperature, and milk cortisol content. Nevertheless, the range of variation was lower compared to Holstein cows from other studies. However, in our trial, the blood leucocytes count was not modified during summer. Simultaneously, during summer, the cows maintained their dry matter intake, were still in positive energy balance and increased their milk yield by 7.1 kg/d compared to winter, in response to a more concentrated energy and protein diet.Our results suggest that Tarentaise cows are well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of Tunisia. In addition, it is possible to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress with a more balanced diet during summer and a better design of barns for an adequate microenvironment., La race bovine Tarentaise, originaire des Alpes françaises, est une race mixte rustique de nouveau présente en Tunisie depuis les années 1990. Cette thèse avait pour objectif d’étudier l’adaptation de cette race au stress thermique, dans les conditions climatiques estivales du pays.Un premier dispositif devait permettre de quantifier l’effet du stress thermique sur les performances de production laitière (PL) de la race, en comparaison avec la race Holstein (à partir d’une base de données de 16 400 contrôles laitiers individuels issus de 21 exploitations du nord de la Tunisie) et de définir des relations entre la baisse de la PL estivale et certaines caractéristiques des bâtiments d’élevage (à partir d’une enquête menée dans 19 des 21 exploitations). Lorsque l’index température-humidité (THI) est passé d’une valeur moyenne de 53,7 l’hiver à 75,4 l’été, la PL des vaches Holstein et Tarentaise ont baissé respectivement de 0,93 et 0,15 kg/j. Les taux butyreux, protéique et d’urée dans le lait ont chuté de manière identique pour les deux races, alors que le comptage des cellules somatiques a augmenté pour les vaches Holstein (+352 000 /mL) et légèrement baissé pour les Tarentaise (-160 000 /mL). L’enquête a montré que les bâtiments fermés et les toitures métalliques amplifient l’impact du stress thermique et induisent une baisse de PL plus prononcée que les bâtiments ouverts (-1,13 vs -0,27 kg/j) et les autres types de toitures (-1,04 vs -0,15 kg/j).Un second dispositif expérimental, mis en place en ferme, devait permettre de quantifier les effets du stress thermique estival sur certains paramètres physiologiques des vaches Tarentaise, ainsi que la variation de PL quand ce stress est associé à une amélioration nutritionnelle de la ration estivale. Lorsque le THI est passé de 52,9 l’hiver à 77,4 l’été, comme attendu, les fréquences respiratoire et cardiaque, la température rectale et la teneur en cortisol du lait des vaches ont été plus élevées, mais avec une amplitude moins forte que lors d’essais réalisés avec des vaches Holstein. Par contre, la formule sanguine leucocytaire n’a pas été modifiée. Parallèlement, la distribution d’une ration estivale plus concentrée en énergie et protéines a permis de maintenir le niveau d’ingestion des vaches, un bilan énergétique toujours positif et même d’augmenter leur PL de 7,1 kg/j par rapport à la période hivernale.Les résultats obtenus dans cette thèse montrent que la race Tarentaise s’avère être bien adaptée aux conditions climatiques estivales de la Tunisie. De plus, il est possible de pallier les effets négatifs du stress thermique sur les performances de production laitière par une ration estivale mieux équilibrée et par une meilleure conception des bâtiments d’élevage.

The Tunisian agriculture development is supporting the expansion of cultivated area in favor to the grounds of rangeland relative to the breeding sector. The arboriculture especially olive-trees was developed thanks to the privatization of the collective grounds. In addition a significant demographic increase amplified strongly the regression surface regression of the steppe rangeland between 1970 and 1990. On the other hand, the national livestock showed a considerable growth, while the pastoral vegetation covers hardly 20% of the food needs of the animals for the majority of the herds. Since 1995, this rate is decreasing significantly and continuously, This evolution induces double problems vulnerability of the majority of the breeding. In fact is depending on the availability and the price of concentrated food and the weather risks which various sources on grazing are depending. Our questioning is related to the diversity of the adaptation ways to these heavy transition factors and the differences in vulnerability of the adaptation of the stock breeders. Our study confirms that the rangeland vegetation is covering about 80% of the food needs during six years. This contribution is primarily resulting to the improved rangeland, which are accounting for 75% of the surface of the collective and domanial rangeland. The state management of the rangeland access allows a seasonal use which is avoiding important loads. From a safe guarding point of view of the resource this law which is imposed through the payment of the right of the access and the control by the government officials, seems to be functional. The natural courses which are not managed by the services of the State, are very little attendedThis low use is the reflection of the individual decision of the stock breeders ending on the state of these courses. The transition from a pastoral system to an agropastoral system proves to be carried out appeared in very few decades. Our work showed that, for the three considered types of breeding naisseurs, 13 to 24% of the dry matter introduced by the ewes is provided by the concentrates. The rest of the introduced corresponds to fodder, distributed: hay, cactus…; or grazed: cereal thatches, cereals disaster victims, déprimage, push backor vegetation of the courses. A system of agriculture-breeding is clearly emerging is: producing three lambs per ewe in two years.; Le développement de l’agriculture en Tunisie Centrale a favorisé l’expansion des cultures au détriment des terres de parcours et du secteur de l’élevage. L’arboriculture surtout d’oliviers, s’est développée grâce à la privatisation des terres collectives. En conséquence, il y a une régression de la superficie des parcours steppiques qui a été amplifié par très forte augmentation démographique dans les années 1970-90. En revanche, le cheptel national a connu une importante croissance, bien que pour la majorité des troupeaux, la végétation pastorale couvre à peine 20 % des besoins alimentaire des animaux. Ce taux a chuté de façon très importante et de façon continue depuis 1995. Cette évolution induit une double problématique de vulnérabilité de la majorité des élevages : la dépendance à la disponibilité et prix des aliments concentrés ; les aléas météorologiques dont dépend les différentes sources de pâtures. Notre questionnement généralement porte sur la diversité des voies d’adaptations à ces facteurs de transition et les différences de vulnérabilité selon les choix d’adaptation des éleveurs. Nos travaux confirment que la chute de la couverture alimentaire par la végétation des parcours est de l’ordre de 80 % en 6 ans. Cette contribution des parcours à l’alimentation des parcours repose essentiellement sur les parcours améliorés, qui représentent 75 % de la superficie des parcours collectifs et domaniaux. La gestion par les services de l’Etat de l’accès à ces parcours permet une utilisation saisonnière, évitant des charges trop importantes. Cette régulation, imposée au travers du paiement d’un droit d’accès et d’un contrôle par des agents de l’Etat présents sur le terrain, semble plutôt bien fonctionner, d’un point de vue préservation de la ressource.Les parcours naturels (non gérés par les services de l’Etat) sont quant à eux très peu fréquentés. Cette très faible utilisation est le reflet de décisions individuelles des éleveurs face à l’état de ces parcours. Le passage d’un système pastoral à un système agropastoral, voir à territoire essentiellement de cultures s’avère une réalité, dans le cadre d’une transition de quelques décennies. Nos travaux permettent d’estimer que les concentrés constituent de 13 à 24 % de la matière sèche ingérée par les brebis, selon les 3 types d’élevage naisseurs. Le reste de l’ingéré correspond à des fourrages, distribués : foin, cactus… ; ou pâturés : chaumes de céréales, céréales sinistrées, déprimage, repousses ou végétation des parcours. Un système agriculture-élevage émerge nettement qui produit 3 agneaux par brebis en deux ans. Nos études sur l’identification des différentes formes d’adaptation, révèlent des pistes pour trouver des voies alternatives de gestion des parcours aptes à maintenir le renouvellement des ressources pastorales et de créer des nouvelles stratégies agropastorales.

École Doctorale : - SEVAB Diplôme : Dr. d'Université; La biohydrogénation (BH) ruminale des acides gras polyinsaturés (AGPI) est à l’origine de la production d’intermédiaires trans retrouvés dans les productions de ruminants (essentiellement le lait). Il existe deux voies de BH produisant des acides gras (AG) trans qui auraient des propriétés différentes : les isomères t11 auraient des effets bénéfiques pour la santé des consommateurs et les isomères t10 seraient responsables d’une forte diminution du taux butyreux du lait, représentant une contrainte majeure pour les éleveurs. Dans des conditions physiologiques normales, la voie t11 est fortement majoritaire, par contre avec des rations à base d’ensilage de maïs, riches en concentrés et surtout si elles comprennent des suppléments lipidiques riches en AGPI, une déviation de la voie t11 à la voie t10 peut se produire avec une augmentation significative des isomères t10 au détriment des isomères t11. L’objectif de cette thèse est d’expliquer les modalités de cette déviation, afin de mieux la maîtriser en élevage. Nos travaux permettent de conclure que les facteurs alimentaires de maîtrise de la déviation de la voie t11 vers la voie t10, sont la teneur en amidon rapidement fermentescible et la teneur en c9,c12-C18:2. Lorsque la quantité de c9,c12-C18:2 présente dans le rumen est faible, même avec une ration riche en amidon et un pH bas dans le rumen, la déviation n’a pas lieu, la voie t11 suffisant à assurer l’hydrogénation des AGPI puisque dans ces conditions, la Δ9 isomérisation est elle aussi peu efficace à pH bas. En revanche, lorsqu’en plus de l’amidon, du c9,c12-C18:2 est ajouté dans la ration, la voie t11 devient insuffisante et c’est la voie t10 qui prend le relais. Le pyroséquençage 454 couplé à une régression multiple SPLS nous ont permis d’établir des corrélations entre les taxons identifiés et la proportion d’AG (t10 ou t11) dans le rumen. Il s’avère que les genres bactériens corrélés fortement et positivement aux AG t10 sont plus ou moins impliqués dans le métabolisme ruminal du lactate ainsi qu’au faible pH ruminal. Cependant, l’identification des taxons les plus corrélés aux AG t11 était moins précise, elle s’arrête à l’ordre des Clostridiales. Enfin, dans des conditions de déviation de la voie t11 à la voie t10, l’addition de vitamine E dans la ration des vaches n’a pas permis de restaurer un ratio déjà élevé. Ces résultats ont abouti à une meilleure compréhension de cette déviation et orientent vers une meilleure maîtrise en élevage.