STUDY OF THE USE OF HYDROPONICS FODDER BARLEY INGOAT FARMING AS AN ALTERNATIVE AGAINST OVERGRAZING OF THE ARGANERAE IN THE REGION SOUSSMASSA (SOUTHERN MOROCCO)

Abstract

The goat herd of the Souss Massa region, of which the arganerae is the preferred area, accounts for 16% of all goats nationally. This herd benefits from this species, which is the only food refuge for local and huge herds from our Saharan provinces. This situation has raised alarm bells in favour of the argan tree and an awareness not only for its protection as a natural heritage, but also as an economic resource to be rehabilitated. Our study is part of the protection of argan trees and aims to study the use of hydroponic technologies that are proving particularly important in arid and semi-arid regions. We have conducted this research on the use of hydroponic fodder and on the zootechnical performance of goats. It carried out in the region of Imssouane (Agadir Idaoutanane Prefecture) and consists in assessing the effect of the introduction of hydroponic fodder into the food ration and growth performance of the goat herd. To do this, lots of 78 goats were followed during a feeding test over a 6-month period. This follow-up reveals that hydroponic barley is a serious alternative for feeding goats in the region and contributes to significantly improving the zootechnical performance of the goat herd