Abstract
The aim of this study was to establish the typology of cattle farms in the northern regions of Cameroon in order to reveal structural and functional characteristics that could be selected for an artificial insemination program. A survey was carried out among 54 breeders. The results showed that the farmers were predominantly of the Fulani ethnic group (81.5%) with men prevailing (92.6%). Their levels of education were primary (31.5%), secondary (18.5%), and higher (25.9%). They were involved in full-time agricultural production activity (42.6%), cattle breeding and agropastoralism. Civil servants represented more than a third of the sample. The genetic structure of the herds was dominated by local breeds: 53.7% Gudali zebus, 44.4% Djafoun and 5.6% Akou. In addition, 44.4% of them bred crossbreeds and 16.7% Holsteins. A multiple correspondence analysis was performed to determine the typology of the farms studied. Based on the structural (herd size, forage area, dairy productivity per cow per day, and related infrastructure) and functional (feeding, herd management, technological choice) characteristics of the farms, three types were identified. Type I breeders (37%) practiced the extensive system, and type II breeders (18.5%) the semi-intensive system. They were present in the Adamawa region and preferred natural mating (56%) and artificial insemination (100%), respectively, as a reproductive means. Type III breeders (44.5%) practiced the semi-extensive system. They were only present in the North and Far North regions and preferred (98%) natural mating as a reproductive means. Type II farmers were located in Vina Division (Adamawa) and they offered the best potentialities with the practice of artificial insemination. They may be considered as pilot for the revival of the dairy sector in this part of Cameroon.
Highlights
In Cameroon, 35% of the rural population lives exclusively on livestock (MINEPIA, 2013)
Livestock is the sector that offers the largest number of opportunities to rural populations in the northern regions, both in the diversity of the types of livestock and in the multiplicity of activities that are developing in this sector such as fattening, milk production, dairy processing (ACDIC, 2006)
Civil servants represented more than a third of the sample
Summary
In Cameroon, 35% of the rural population lives exclusively on livestock (MINEPIA, 2013). Livestock is the sector that offers the largest number of opportunities to rural populations in the northern regions, both in the diversity of the types of livestock and in the multiplicity of activities that are developing in this sector such as fattening, milk production, dairy processing (ACDIC, 2006). Ensuring food security in milk and dairy products is a priority for public authorities implementing intensification strategies based on the production of local cattle breeds. With an estimated population of 5.8 million head of cattle (MINEPIA, 2015) and the natural conditions favorable to livestock in certain regions, the high demand for milk and milk products constitutes a potential opportunity. Milk production is carried out essentially in a traditional way.
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