DEFI-ANIMAL – RITA 2018-2020

In a rapidly changing post-departmental context (implementation of European regulations, protection of the environment), today research and the transfer of innovation must be oriented more towards the promotion of a family breeding exploitation model valorising the animal resources available locally, and making it possible to sustainably improve the production levels (meat, milk, honey) while reducing the levels of inputs. However, many economic, structural and health constraints still weigh on livestock development.

The Défi Animal Phase 1 project answered a number of questions; eg. better manage the dermatological diseases of cattle or optimize the use of local breeds by initiating the primary characterization of the zebu and sheep breeds. The Défi Animal Phase 2 project aims to continue and complete the actions undertaken, both in the field of animal performance and health.

The project will target the major health problems present or that can be introduced, hampering the economic development of livestock farming, and will test innovative tools and strategies adapted to breeders so that they can produce more and better, in a context vulnerable islander.

The project will also focus on completing the genetic characterization of local breeds of goat ruminants and evaluating their production abilities and coping skills in the face of environmental constraints, in order to ultimately propose a conservation scheme for local breeds. genetic improvement of productivity. The project will also study the feasibility of setting up a modern apicultural sector, valuing the local bee.

The Animal Challenge project is composed of five actions:

1. Coordination;
2. Evaluation of the production and adaptation skills of cattle, sheep and goats;
3. Evaluation and improvement of production skills of the local bee
4. Health of farms in Mayotte
5. Transfer