The Baobab database: A tool for modeling small ruminants production and health in traditional farming systems in Senegal

National audience; A relational database called Baobab set up to facilitate data analysis and modeling on small ruminant production and health in smallholding farms is described. The system used data collected using the Panurge information system at 4 sites during a farm monitoring period of 15 years. The sites were representative of the main agroecological areas of sheep and goat husbandry in Senegal. Specific animal data were related to demography, weight increase and health. Other data were recorded at the herd level and concerned farming practices and disease control measures. A conceptual data model (cdm) was designed using the Merise entity-relationship method. The database structure derived from the cdm Panurge data were imported into Baobab using checking computer programmes. Baobab covers 79 000 surveyed animals, includes 28 tables and uses 50 megabytes of memory. A new application was set up from the cdm and will facilitate entering and use of data issued from individual animal monitoring in settled or transhumant herds. It is concluded that Baobab has many applications and can be presented as a reference and summary of production data as well as used to model animal production at the individual or herd level