PRATIQUES D?ELEVAGE DE TAURINS NDAMA AU SUD DU SENEGAL

This study aimed to define socioeconomic functions, traditional management practices and constraints related to the production of Ndama cattle in the Kolda region of southern Senegal. It was carried out in the departments of Kolda and Medina Yoro Fulha, using a semi-structured survey. The results indicate that most of the farmers interviewed (90.4%) are agro-pastoralists. Fulani ethnic breeders are mainly and represent 88.60% of the breeders interviewed. Farms are created in various ways and their average age is 40.71 ? 17.74 years. The Ndama breed constitutes almost the entire cattle herd. However, some Gobra cattle and the products of their crossing with the Ndama and various mixed race from artificial insemination, are also found. Cattle occupy a major place in the rural area of Kolda. In effect, they play the role of bank and insurance. Moreover, they contribute to the development of agriculture by providing traction force and manure for soil fertilization. Otherwise, they constitute a symbol of wealth, a mark of Fulani's cultural identity. The mode of conduct is extensive with gathering herds during wintering, and dismembering them during the post-harvest season. The constraints that breeders face are numerous, but problems of health and food constitute major constraints. The number of Gobra zebu representing 2.13% of the herd and their products with the Ndama estimated at 6.32% of the herd remains low. However, it is important to monitor their progress as they are increasingly used by breedersas spawners to improve productivity.