Tropical grazing systems in the Carribean require an integated research
Abstract
Grazing systems are prevalent in the Carribean as in other tropical countries (Humphreys, 1990). Production systems are almost totally dependent on the natural resources of the region. Many limiting factors decrease animal production such as: bad environmental conditions; low nutritive value of tropical forage; high parasitic infection; and socioeconomic factors. To study the grazing systems (GS), which are prevalent in the Carribean, it is necessary to take into account different interacting components with the combine effort of a multi-disciplinary team. Moreover, there is competition for the scarce available land between tourism, housing and the agricultural sector. Herbivores can contribute positively to the environment and add-value to marginal lands. Objectives of our research unit are to: increase the amount of meat on the local market, develop animal production systems that will allow for sustainable rural development and propose better management of available land. The following research topics: animal nutrition and husbandry; forage eco-physiology and agronomy; gastrointestinal parasitism and system productivity; and sustainability are vital to the holistic approach of the grazing system in the Caribbean.