Analysis of the Technical and Economic Performance of Dairy Farms in Algerian Conditions: The Case of the Wilaya of Tizi-Ouzou

Abstract

The aim of this work is to carry out a comparative study of the costs of milk production for the two zones, plain and mountain, in the region of Tizi-Ouzou. Sixty-four farmers living in both areas were interviewed and surveyed. With an average of 12.5 cows per farm, there was no difference in the number of dairy cows between the two zones (P=0.586). Fodder consumption was 24.8 and 30.9 kg/cow/day in the mountain and plain areas respectively, a significant difference (P<0.0001). Milk productivity was not significantly different (P = 0.202) between farmers in the two areas. The average was 21.7 litres per cow per day. The total cost of producing one litre of milk was 41.05 AD/L and 35.5 AD/L respectively, a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the two areas. The cost of feeding differs significantly (P < 0.0001) between the two areas. Feed is more expensive in the mountains than in the lowlands (37.62 vs. 30.81 AD/L). The cost of buying hay was the most significant difference in feeding costs (P = 0.002). These costs were 17.43 vs. 12.73 AD/ha, respectively. There is a small difference in the cost of farm labour (P=0.095). It is lower in the mountain area (0.64 vs. 1.19 AD/L) than in the plain area. The main item in the total cost of milk production is the cost of feed. It represents 90 % and 85 % respectively in the mountain and in the plain areas. Forage area is a limiting factor for the development of milk production in the Tizi-Ouzou region. In the context of territorial development, it is proposed to develop fodder and silage production in regions of Algeria where there is an abundance of arable land and to transfer this fodder to dairy basins such as Tizi-Ouzou to feed dairy farms.