Supplemental feeding on rangelands: New dynamics of the livestock in the El Ouara rangelands in southern Tunisia

Abstract

Fodder production in arid rangelands has been traditionally considered as the main source of nutrition for livestock. However, the production of these fodder may be influenced by some socio-economic and climatic factors. This study aims to identify the various rangeland use forms and determine the types of livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands of Ben guarden District in southern Tunisia by analysing the importance of supplemental feeding and main determinants of this practice. Data were collected by a survey that targeted a sample of 50 breeders in the El Ouara rangelands. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The results showed that there are two types of association practiced for breeders:“Cherka” association practiced by 10.00% of breeders and cash payment association practiced by 53.00% of breeders. Then, transhumance, sedentary, and semi-urban forms are the main ways in which breeders use the rangeland. There are four livestock feeding systems in the El Ouara rangelands being used to feed livestock: natural rangeland, rangeland-based, mixed, and concentrate-based feeding systems. Supplemental feeding has become fundamental for the livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands. The breeders with the largest camel size still use the natural rangeland feeding system, while the breeders who have the largest herd size practice the mixed feeding system. The logistic regression results reveal that breeder age, cereal area, herd size, migrant remittance, second activity, and agricultural development group membership can significantly impact the supplemental feeding. In summary, this study can help policy-makers plan innovative practices based on climatic change, ensure the sustainability of livestock feeding system, and make effective decisions for local development.