Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-r5fsc Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-24T00:41:54.400Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Rangeland utilization in Mediterranean farming systems

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2010

M. Jouven ,
P. Lapeyronie ,
C-H. Moulin  and
F. Bocquier
M. Jouven*
Affiliation:
Montpellier SupAgro, MPRS, UMR ERRC, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France INRA, PHASE, UMR868, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France
P. Lapeyronie
Affiliation:
Montpellier SupAgro, MPRS, UMR ERRC, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France INRA, PHASE, UMR868, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France
C-H. Moulin
Affiliation:
Montpellier SupAgro, MPRS, UMR ERRC, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France INRA, PHASE, UMR868, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France
F. Bocquier
Affiliation:
Montpellier SupAgro, MPRS, UMR ERRC, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France INRA, PHASE, UMR868, 2 place Pierre Viala, F-34060 Montpellier, France
*
†E-mail: [email protected]
Get access

Abstract

In the countries surrounding the Mediterranean basin, most of the semi-natural grazing lands are covered by rangelands. Rangelands can be defined as highly heterogeneous natural vegetation communities with high conservation value, growing in harsh environments (poor soils, unfavourable climatic conditions). In the recent socio-economic context, traditional livestock grazing practices that enabled one to reconcile rangeland preservation and animal production no longer apply, especially because they require labour that has become scarce and costly. The consequence is rangeland degradation, due to underutilization in Southern Europe, and overutilization in Northern Africa. We analysed issues raised by rangeland utilization in livestock farming systems of the Mediterranean basin. Based on a review of the scientific literature about rangeland utilization in this area, we argue that the best way to reconcile animal production and rangeland preservation would be to promote management practices allowing animals to express their adaptative capacities in feeding behaviour and productive response. In order to propose management practices adapted to extensive and simplified systems, we conclude that research efforts should focus on: (i) proposing a functional characterization of vegetation heterogeneity at the scale of the vegetation community, (ii) validating the criteria determining animals’ foraging behaviour on Mediterranean rangelands, (iii) developing and using simulation models to test management strategies against seasonal and long-term variability in climatic conditions and (iv) evaluating the potential of modern technologies for improving rangeland utilization.

Keywords

rangelandgrazing managementfeeding behaviourruminant
Type
Full Paper
Information
animal , Volume 4 , Issue 10 , October 2010 , pp. 1746 - 1757
Copyright
Copyright © The Animal Consortium 2010

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Agreil, C, Meuret, M 2004. An improved method for quantifying intake rate and ingestive behaviour of ruminants in diverse and variable habitats using direct observation. Small Ruminant Research 54, 99–113.Google Scholar
Agreil, C, Meuret, M, Vincent, M 2004. GRENOUILLE: une méthode pour gérer les ressources alimentaires pour des ovins sur milieux embroussaillés. Fourrages 180, 467–481.Google Scholar
Agreil, C, Fritz, H, Meuret, M 2005. Maintainance of daily intake through bite mass diversity adjustment in sheep grazing on heterogeneous and variable vegetation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 91, 35–56.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Agreil, C, Meuret, M, Fritz, H 2006. Adjustment of feeding choices and intake by a ruminant foraging in varied and variable environments: new insights from continuous bite monitoring. In Feeding in domestic vertebrates: from structure to behaviour (ed. V Bels), pp. 302–325. CAB International, Wallingford, UK.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Aharon, A, Henkin, Z, Ungar, ED, Kababya, D, Baram, H, Perevolotsky, A 2007. Foraging behaviour of the newly introduced Boer goat breed in a Mediterranean woodland: a research observation. Small Ruminant Research 69, 144–153.Google Scholar
Anderson, DM 2001. Virtual fencing – a prescription range animal management tool for the 21st century. In Proceedings of the conference “tracking animals with GPS” (ed. AM Sibbald and IJ Gordon), pp. 85–94. The Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland.Google Scholar
Andrieu, N, Poix, C, Josien, E, Duru, M 2007. Simulation of forage management strategies considering farm-level land diversity: example of dairy farms in the Auvergne. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 55, 36–48.Google Scholar
Animut, G, Goetsch, AL 2008. Co-grazing of sheep and goats: benefits and constraints. Small Ruminant Research 77, 127–145.Google Scholar
Armstrong, HM, Gordon, IJ, Grant, SA, Hutchings, NJ, Milne, JA, Sibbald, AR 1997a. A model of the grazing down of hill vegetation by sheep in the UK. I- The prediction of vegetation biomass. Journal of Applied Ecology 34, 166–185.Google Scholar
Armstrong, HM, Gordon, IJ, Hutchings, NJ, Illius, AW, Milne, JA, Sibbald, AR 1997b. A model of the grazing down of hill vegetation by sheep in the UK. II- The prediction of offtake by sheep. Journal of Applied Ecology 34, 186–207.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Atti, N, Thériez, M, Abdennebi, L 2001. Relationship between ewe body condition at mating and reproductive performance in the fat-tailed Barbarine breed. Animal Research 50, 135–144.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Avondo, M, Bordonaro, S, Marletta, D, Guastella, AM, D’Urso, G 2002. A simple model to predict the herbage intake of grazing dairy ewes in semi-extensive Mediterranean systems. Livestock Production Science 73, 275–283.Google Scholar
Bailey, DW 2005. Identification and creation of optimum habitat conditions for livestock. Rangeland Ecology and Management 58, 109–118.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bailey, DW, Gross, JE, Laca, EA, Rittenhouse, LR, Coughenour, MB, Swift, DM, Sims, PL 1996. Mechanisms that result in large herbivore grazing distribution patterns. Journal of Range Management 49, 386–400.Google Scholar
Bailey, DW, Dumont, B, WallisDeVries, MF 1998. Utilization of heterogeneous grasslands by domestic herbivores: theory to management. Annales de Zootechnie 47, 321–333.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bailey, DW, Kress, DD, Anderson, DC, Boss, DL, Miller, ET 2001. Relationship between terrain use and performance of beef cows grazing foothill rangeland. Journal of Animal Science 79, 1883–1891.Google Scholar
Barbari, M, Conti, L, Koostra, BK, Masi, G, Sorbetti Guerri, F, Workman, SR 2006. The use of global positioning and geographical information systems in the management of extensive cattle grazing. Biosystems Engineering 95, 271–280.Google Scholar
Barroso, FG, Martìnez, TF, Paz, T, Parra, A, Alarcòn, FJ 2001. Tannin content of grazing plants of southern Spanish arid lands. Journal of Arid Environments 49, 301–314.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Baumont, R, Prache, S, Meuret, M, Mohrand-Fehr, P 2000. How forage characteristics influence behaviour and intake in small ruminants: a review. Livestock Production Science 64, 15–28.Google Scholar
Baumont, R, Cohen-Salmon, D, Prache, S, Sauvant, D 2004. A mechanistic model of intake and grazing behaviour in sheep integrating sward architecture and animal decisions. Animal Feed Science and Technology 112, 5–28.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ben Salem, H, Smith, T 2008. Feeding strategies to increase small ruminant production in dry environments. Small Ruminant Research 77, 174–194.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bishop-Hurley, GJ, Swain, DL, Anderson, DM, Sikka, P, Crossman, C, Corke, P 2007. Virtual fencing applications: implementing and testing an automated cattle control system. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 56, 14–22.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Blanc, F, Bocquier, F, Agabriel, J, D’Hour, P, Chilliard, Y 2006. Adaptive abilities of the females and sustainability of ruminant livestock systems. A review. Animal Research 55, 489–510.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bouju, S 2000. Evolution des systèmes d’élevage de part et d’autre de la Méditerranée: une difficile conciliation avec des objectifs de développement durable. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 39, 145–158.Google Scholar
Bounejmate, M, Norton, BE, El Mourid, M, Khatib, A, Bathikha, N, Ghassali, F, Mahyou, H 2004. Partnership for understanding land use/cover change and reviving overgrazed rangeland in Mediterranean areas: ICARDA’s experience. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 62, 267–283. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Bourbouze, A 2000. Pastoralisme au Maghreb: la révolution silencieuse. Fourrages 161, 3–21.Google Scholar
Bourbouze, A, Lazarev, G 1991. Typologie dynamique des systèmes pastoraux en Méditerranée. Proceedings of the 4th International Rangeland Congress, 22–26 April 1991, Montpellier, France, pp. 729–733.Google Scholar
Bourbouze, A, Gibon, A 1999. Ressources individuelles ou ressources collectives? L’impact du statut des ressources sur la gestion des systèmes d’élevage des régions du pourtour méditerranéen. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 38, 289–309. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Brand, TS 2000. Grazing behaviour and diet selection by Dorper sheep. Small Ruminant Research 36, 147–158.Google Scholar
Cabiddu, A, Decandia, M, Sitzia, M, Molle, G 2000. A note on the chemical composition and tannin content of some Mediterranean shrubs browsed by Sarda goats. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 52, 175–178. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Chemmam, M, Moujahed, N, Ouzrout, R, Guellati, MA 2009. Seasonal variations of chemical composition, intake and digestibility by ewes of natural pasture in the south-eastern regions of Algeria. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 85, 123–127. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Cialdella, N, Genin, D, Ouled Belgacem, A 2004. Pacages et parcours en situation de sécheresse: réponses des agropasteurs pour l’alimentation des petits ruminants dans le sud tunisien. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 62, 207–210. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Ciucci, P, Boitani, L 2005, Conflitto tra lupo e zootecnia in Italia: stato delle conoscenze, ricerca e conservazione. In Grandi Carnivori e Zootecnia tra conflitto e coesistenza (ed. P Ciucci, C Teofili and L Boitani). Biologia e Conservazione della Fauna 115, pp. 26–51.Google Scholar
Cooper, SM, Owen-Smith, N 1986. Effects of plant spinescence on large mammalian herbivores. Oecologia 68, 446–455.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Del Curto, T, Porath, M, Parsons, CT, Morrison, JA 2005. Management strategies for sustainable beef cattle grazing on forested rangelands in the Pacific Northwest. Rangeland Ecology and Management 58, 119–127.2.0.CO;2>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dumont, B, Petit, M 1998. Spatial memory of sheep at pasture. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 60, 43–53.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dumont, B, Hill, DRC 2001. Multi-agent simulation of group foraging in sheep: effects of spatial memory, conspecific attraction and plot size. Ecological Modelling 141, 201–215.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dumont, B, Meuret, M, Prud’hon, M 1995. Direct observation of biting for studying grazing behaviour of goats and llamas on garrigue rangelands. Small Ruminant Research 16, 27–35.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dumont, B, Carrère, P, D’Hour, P 2002. Foraging in patchy grasslands: diet selection by sheep and cattle is affected by the abundance and spatial distribution of preferred species. Animal Research 51, 367–381.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Dumont, B, Rook, AJ, Coran, C, Röver, K-U 2007. Effects of livestock breed and grazing intensity on biodiversity and production in grazing systems. 2. Diet selection. Grass and Forage Science 62, 159–171.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Duru, M, Fiorelli, J-L, Peyre, D, Roger, P, Theau, J-P 2002. La hauteur d’herbe au pâturage: une mesure simple pour faciliter sa conduite, un indicateur pour caractériser des stratégies. Fourrages 170, 189–201.Google Scholar
Duru, M, Al Haj Khaled, R, Ducourtieux, C, Theau, JP, de Quadros, FLF, Cruz, P 2009. Do plant functional types based on leaf dry matter content allow characterizing native grass species and grasslands for herbage growth pattern? Plant Ecology 201, 421–433.Google Scholar
Dutilly-Diane, C, Saint-Macary, C, Tiedeman, J, Arab, G, Batikha, N, Ghassali, F, Khoudary, E 2006. Mobility and feeding strategies in the pastoral systems of the Syrian Badiah. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 78, 85–90. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Etienne, M, Rigolot, E 2004. Pâturage et débroussaillement des garrigues à chêne kermès en France méditerranéenne. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 62, 407–410. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Fay, PK, McElligott, VT, Havstad, KM 1989. Containment of free-ranging goats using pulsed-radio-wave activated shock collars. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 23, 165–171.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fleury, P, Duboeuf, B, Jeannin, B 1996. Forage management in dairy farms: a methodological approach. Agricultural Systems 52, 199–212.Google Scholar
Freer, M, Moore, AD, Donnelly, JR 1997. GRAZPLAN: decision support system for Australian grazing enterprises – II. The animal biology model for feed intake, production and reproduction and the GrazFeed DSS. Agricultural Systems 54, 77–126.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Frutos, P, Hervas, G, Ramos, G, Giraldez, FJ, Mantecon, AR 2002. Condensed tannin content of several shrub species from a mountain area in northern Spain, and its relationship to various indicators of nutritive value. Animal Feed Science and Technology 95, 215–226.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ganskopp, D 2001. Manipulating cattle distribution with salt and water in large arid-land pastures: a GPS/GIS assessment. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 73, 251–262.Google Scholar
Ganskopp, DC, Bohnert, DW 2009. Landscape nutritional patterns and cattle distribution in rangeland pastures. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 116, 110–119.Google Scholar
Gautier, D, Moulin, CH 2004. Intérêts du pâturage hivernal sur parcours pour les exploitations ovines: exemples des Préalpes du Sud. INRA Productions Animales 17, 275–286. Available online at: http://www.inra.fr/internet/Produits/PA/index.phpCrossRefGoogle Scholar
Guérin, G, Gautier, D 2004. Le pastoralisme: gérer une diversité de végétations. Le cas des systèmes pastoraux méditerranéens. Fourrages 178, 233–243.Google Scholar
Guérin, G, Bellon, S, Gautier, D 2001. Valorisation et maîtrise des surfaces pastorales par le pâturage. Fourrages 166, 239–256.Google Scholar
Hadjigeorgiou, I, Osoro, K, Fragoso de Almeida, JP, Molle, G 2005. Southern European grazing lands: production, environmental and landscape management aspects. Livestock Production Science 96, 51–59.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Henkin, Z, Gutman, M, Aharon, H, Perevolotsky, A, Ungar, ED, Seligman, NG 2005. Suitability of Mediterranean oak woodland for beef herd husbandry. Agriculture Ecosystems and Environment 109, 255–261.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) 2007. Alimentation des bovins, ovins et caprins. QUAE editions, Versailles, France.Google Scholar
Jouven, M, Baumont, R 2008. Simulating grassland utilization in beef suckler systems to investigate the trade-offs between production and floristic diversity. Agricultural Systems 96, 260–272.Google Scholar
Jouven, M, Agabriel, J, Baumont, R 2008. A model predicting the seasonal dynamics of intake and production for suckler cows and their calves fed indoors or at pasture. Animal Feed Science and Technology 143, 256–279.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Kharrat, M, Bocquier, F 2010. Adaptive responses at the whole lactation scale of Baladi dairy goats according to feed supply and level of body reserves in agro-pastoral feeding system. Small Ruminant Research 90, 120–126.Google Scholar
Kyriazopoulos, AP, Sklavou, P, Nastis, AS, Papanastasis, VP 2009. Interactions between grazing behaviour and plant community structure in shrubland and their consequences on desertification. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 85, 91–97.Google Scholar
Laca, EA 2009. Precision livestock production: tools and concepts. Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia 38, 123–132.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Landau, S, Perevolotsky, A, Bonfil, D, Barkai, D, Silakinove, N 2000a. Utilization of low quality resources by small ruminants in Mediterranean agro-pastoral systems: the case of browse and aftermath cereal stubble. Livestock Production Science 64, 39–49.Google Scholar
Landau, S, Silakinove, N, Nitsan, Z, Barkai, D, Baram, H, Provenza, FD, Perevolotsky, A 2000b. Short-term changes in eating patterns explain the effects of condensed tannins on feed intake in heifers. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 69, 199–213.Google Scholar
Lapeyronie, P 2001. Gestion des habitats naturels par l’élevage: généralisation de règles spontanées ou induites sur l’occupation de l’espace et l’utilisation des végétations par les herbivores domestiques. Compte-rendu du troisième séminaire INRA-CIRAD, Verrières, France, pp. 33–48.Google Scholar
Lapeyronie, P, Moret, A 2007. Protection des troupeaux et impacts environnementaux. In Loup Elevage, s’ouvrir à la complexité (ed. L Garde), pp. 202–211. Edition CERPAM, Manosque, France.Google Scholar
Lasseur, J 2005. Sheep farming systems and nature management of rangeland in French Mediterranean mountain areas. Livestock Production Science 96, 87–95.Google Scholar
Lécrivain, E, Lasseur, J, Armand, D 2004. Diversité des systèmes d’élevage ovin et diversité de comportement des troupeaux sur parcours: un atout pour la gestion des milieux hétérogènes. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 61, 161–169. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Léger, F 1999. Valoriser les territoires pastoraux: une voie d’avenir pour les systèmes d’élevage ovins viande du Sud de la France. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 38, 157–161. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Makkar, HPS 2003. Effects and fate of tannins in ruminant animals, adaptation to tannins, and strategies to overcome detrimental effects of feeding tannin-rich feeds. Small Ruminant Research 49, 241–256.Google Scholar
Martin, G, Hossard, L, Theau, JP, Therond, O, Josien, E, Cruz, P, Rellier, JP, Martin-Clouaire, R, Duru, M 2009. Characterizing potential flexibility in grassland use. Application to the French Aubrac area. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 29, 381–389.Google Scholar
Maton, C, Montagnac, D, Viudes, G, Bouquet, PM, Bocquier, F 2008. Les applications de l’identification électronique des petits ruminants au service de l’élevage biologique. Innovations Agronomiques 4, 67–71.Google Scholar
Meuret, M 1996. Organizing a grazing route to motivate intake on coarse resources. Annales de Zootechnie 45, 87–88.Google Scholar
Meuret, M 1997. How do I cope with that bush? Optimizing less palatable feeds at pasture using the MENU model. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 34, 53–57. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Molénat, G, Foulquie, D, Autran, P, Bouix, J, Hubert, D, Jacquin, M, Bocquier, F, Bibe, B 2005. Pour un élevage ovin allaitant performant et durable sur parcours: un système expérimental sur le Causse du Larzac. INRA Productions Animales 18, 323–338. Available online at: http://www.inra.fr/internet/Produits/PA/index.phpGoogle Scholar
Najari, S, Khaldi, G, Jaouad, M, Ben Hammouda, M, Djemali, M 2004. Conduite traditionnelle des petits ruminants dans les régions arides tunisiennes: savoir-faire du berger et exploitation durable des ressources pastorales. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 62, 249–253. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Nastis, A 1997. Feeding behaviour of goats and utilisation of pasture and rangelands. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 25, 39–45.Google Scholar
Nedjraoui, D 2004. Evaluation des ressources pastorales des régions steppiques algériennes et définition des indicateurs de dégradation. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 62, 239–243. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Nolan, T, Nastis, A 1997. Some aspects of the use of vegetation by grazing sheep and goats. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 34, 11–25. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Osoro, K, Olivan, M, Celaya, R, Martinez, A 2000. The effect of Calluna vulgaris cover on the performance and intake of ewes grazing hill pastures in Northern Spain. Grass and Forage Science 55, 300–308.Google Scholar
Ouled Belgacem, A, Papanastasis, V 1995. Impact of grazing practices on rangeland vegetation of western Crete. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 12, 209–212. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Pacheco, F 1999. Les conséquences des pressions environnementales sur la conduite des troupeaux et l’organisation du travail dans les élevages utilisateurs de parcours. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 38, 371–380. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Papachristou, TG 2000. Dietary selection by goats and sheep in kermes oak shrublands of Northern Greece: influence of shrub cover and grazing season. Cahiers Options Méditerranéennes 52, 161–164. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Papachristou, TG, Dziba, LE, Provenza, FD 2005. Foraging ecology of goats and sheep on wooded rangelands. Small Ruminant Research 59, 141–156.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Papanastasis, VP, Yiakoulaki, MD, Decandia, M, Dini-Papanastasi, O 2008. Integrating woody species into livestock feeding in the Mediterranean areas of Europe. Animal Feed Science and Technology 140, 1–17.Google Scholar
Papanastasis, VP, Ghossoub, R, Scarpelo, C 2009. Impact of animal sheds on vegetation configuration in Mediterranean landscapes. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 85, 49–54. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Perevolotsky, A, Landau, S, Kababia, D, Ungar, ED 1998. Diet selection in dairy goats grazing woody Mediterranean rangeland. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 57, 117–131.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Prache, Sand Peyraud, JL 2001. Foraging behaviour and intake in temperate cultivated grasslands. In Proceedings of the XIX International Grassland Congress, Brazil, pp. 309–319.Google Scholar
Provenza, FD 1996. Acquired aversions as the basis for varied diets of ruminants foraging on rangelands. Journal of Animal Science 74, 2010–2020.Google Scholar
Provenza, FD 2007. Social organization, culture and use of landscapes by livestock. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 74, 307–315. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Provenza, FD, Papachristou, TG 2009. Behavior-based management of ecosystems. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 85, 13–28.Google Scholar
Provenza, FD, Villalba, JJ, Dziba, LE, Atwood, SB, Banner, RE 2003. Linking herbivore experience, varied diets and plant biochemical diversity. Small Ruminant Research 49, 257–274.Google Scholar
Quétier, F, Marty, P, Lepart, J 2005. Farmers’ management strategies and land use in an agropastoral landscape: Roquefort cheese production rules as a driver of change. Agricultural Systems 84, 171–193.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Riedel, J-L, Casasùs, I, Bernuès, A 2007. Sheep farming intensification and utilization of natural resources in a Mediterranean pastoral agro-ecosystem [Abstract]. Livestock Science 111, 153–163.Google Scholar
Rochon, JJ, Duval, M, Goby, J-P 2009. Effect of the environment of a flock of sheep when free-ranging or under the guidance of a shepherd. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 85, 61–65.Google Scholar
Rogosic, J, Pfister, JA, Provenza, FD, Grbesa, D 2006. Sheep and goat preferences for and nutritional value of Mediterranean maquis shrubs. Small Ruminant Research 64, 169–179.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rogosic, J, Estell, RE, Ivankovic, S, Kezic, J, Razov, J 2008. Potential mechanisms to increase shrub intake and performance of small ruminants in Mediterranean shrubby ecosystems. Small Ruminant Research 74, 1–15.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rook, AJ, Dumont, B, Isselstein, J, Osoro, K, WalliesDeVries, MF, Parente, G, Mills, J 2004. Matching type of livestock to desired biodiversity outcomes in pastures – a review. Biological Conservation 119, 137–150.Google Scholar
Ruiz, FA, Mena, Y, Castel, JM, Guinamard, C, Bossis, N, Caramelle-Holtz, E, Contu, M, Sitzia, M, Fois, N 2009. Dairy goat grazing systems in Mediterranean regions: a comparative analysis in Spain, France and Italy. Small Ruminant Research 85, 42–49.Google Scholar
Rutter, SM 2006. Diet preference for grass and legumes in free-ranging domestic sheep and cattle: current theory and future application. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 97, 17–35.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ryan, WJ 1990. Compensatory growth in cattle and sheep. Nutrition Abstracts and Reviews – Series B 60, 653–664.Google Scholar
Silakinove, N 1997. Why goats raised on harsh environments perform better than other domesticated animals. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 34, 185–194. Available online at: http://www.ciheam.org/publications/options-mediterraneennes._5_40027_.phpGoogle Scholar
Thomas, DT, Wilmot, MG, Alchin, M, Masters, DG 2008. Preliminary indications that Merino sheep graze different areas on cooler days in the Southern Rangelands of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, 889–892.Google Scholar
Yiakoulaki, MD, Zarovali, MP, Papanastasis, VP 2009. Foraging behaviour of sheep and goats grazing on silvopastoral systems in Northern Greece. Options Méditerranéennes Série A 85, 79–84.Google Scholar
Zarovali, MP, Yiakoulaki, MD, Papanastasis, VP 2007. Effects of shrub encroachment on herbage production and nutritive value in semi-arid Mediterranean grasslands. Grass and Forage Science 62, 355–363.Google Scholar