Adaptation of beef production to extensive farming systems.

摘要

The main characteristics of extensive beef farming systems in France are described. Present European and national conditions affect production, production costs, improvement of meat quality, and labour efficiency. In French systems, stocking rates are relatively low at 0.9 livestock unit/ha. Farm and herd size are relatively large with lower operating costs (e.g. reduced fertilizers). Studies in progress are looking at simplifying herd management and to adapt stock requirements to availability of feed (e.g. by changing the calving period).