The 9th Seminar of the Nutrition Sub-Network of the FAO-CIHEAM Cooperative

Research on Sheep and Goats, held at Hammamet (Tunisia), 8-10 November 2001,

was organised, under the auspices of the Tunisian Ministry of Agriculture, by INRAT

(Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique de Tunisie), FAO (Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and CIHEAM (Centre International des

Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes), in collaboration with ICARDA

(International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas), IRESA (Institution de

la Recherche et de l'Enseignement Supérieur Agricoles), OEP (Office de l'Elevage et

des Pâturages) and GIVR (Groupement Interprofessionnel des Viandes Rouges).

The seminar focused on topics related to sheep and goat nutrition and feeding

strategies under harsh climate conditions. Sessions were on: (i) use of rangelands by

sheep and goats under arid conditions; (ii) effect of under-nutrition on sheep and goat

digestion and performance; (iii) nutritional evaluation of non-conventional feedstuffs;

and (iv) adaptation of small ruminants to non-conventional feeds. Furthermore, six

round tables were organised to discuss pertinent up-to-date topics related to sheep and

goat nutrition and feeding systems. The topics covered by these round tables were: (i)

mineral nutrition; (ii) feeding behaviour; (iii) feeding and product quality; (iv) methods

to improve non-conventional feedstuffs; (v) databases - a working tool for networks;

and (vi) cooperation research project - conception and funding.

In addition to this scientific programme a field trip was organized to OEP Saouef Farm

where the agro-pastoral production system is prevalent. Two local sheep breeds are

raised under rainfed conditions, and an integrated feeding system is efficiently

practiced, using fodder shrubs, natural pastures, and cereal crop residues.

The seminar was attended by 68 participants from 16 countries (Algeria, Belgium,

Bulgaria, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Portugal, Spain,

Sultanate of Oman, Tunisia, UK and Venezuela), and representatives or scientists from

CIHEAM, FAO, IAEA and ICARDA. A total of 64 papers were presented and discussed

including introductory papers, oral presentations and posters in the four main sessions.

Thirty-seven papers have been selected to be published in these proceedings.