1Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Compus Universitaire, Universite Mohamed Khider, Biskra, 07000, Algeria
*Corresponding Author: K. Lakhdari, Scientific and Technical Research Centre for Arid Areas (CRSTRA), Compus Universitaire, Universite Mohamed Khider, Biskra, 07000, Algeria, Email: kaoutharfido@gmail.com
Online published on 10 July, 2023.
In Algeria, COVID-19 containment procedures 2020-2021 have put the livestock sector in a critical situation, particularly in the Saharan regions where animal feed is based on supplies from other regions. Indeed, a famine has threatened the herds, but the breeders have been able to save their animals by an unconventional diet. The knowledge of these nutritional measures and know-how makes it possibleto evaluate local products andto guide Algerian decision-makers towards a safer food strategy that is well adapted to the Sahara region.
We used the “12MO method”, which is a retrospective survey based on the declarations of the breeders for the last twelve months. 12MO served as a basic tool for a systemic analysis conducted in 110 farms in different areas of Oued Souf (Sahara of Algeria).
The results highlighted changes in animal feed, under the impact of COVID-19 pandemic through unconventional feeding. 6 feeds were distinguished, including 4 crop residues (PoCR; PeCR; CCR; TCR) and 2 by-products (PD By-P; PD By-P). During a year of containment, it was not only the interrelationship (agriculture/livestock) that has secured the feeding herds in the Saharan environment, but the breeder's solidarity has significantly contributed in that also.
Animal feed, Breeders, By-products, COVID-19, Saharan rangelands
