A French experimental sheep farm is pioneering research to adapt rustic breeds to climate change and societal needs, while grappling with challenges like wolf predation.
Feda-expé's role and location
Feda-expé, a research and development arm of Fedatest and the SAS Races ovines des massifs, has been operating for three years as an independent experimental station. Based at the Paysat-Bas site in Haute-Loire, it serves as a reference center for sheep industry research, benefiting the Grand Sud-Est region.Operational details of the station
The station manages a farm with 11,000 ewes across 125 hectares, employing five staff members. Annually, it produces between 2,000 and 2,400 lambs. Marion Vedel, the station’s director, explains that the farm’s operations fund its research, ensuring that experimental protocols do not disrupt production.Focus on butchery testing and breed crosses
As a pioneer in butchery testing, the station works with four rustic sheep breeds: the Berrichon du Cher, the Suffolk, the Rouge de l'Ouest, and the Île-de-France. The goal is to select rams for artificial insemination, guide breed distribution, and exclude less promising genetic profiles.Addressing mastitis and climate challenges
The station also investigates mastitis in ewes, a major cause of culling. Researchers evaluate techniques to reduce its occurrence. Additionally, they assess new genetic selection criteria, such as the ewe’s ability to use body reserves, resistance to parasites, and lamb vigor, as part of the PhénoPasto project.Societal and economic requirements for sheep
Dominique Pauc, president of Races Ovines des Massif, highlights the need for sheep that meet economic, environmental, and societal demands. The six breeds managed by the collective involve 150 farmers and 55,000 ewes. Pauc emphasizes the importance of sheep that are both productive and resilient to challenges like parasitism and climate change.Impact of wolf predation on sheep farming
Wolf predation is increasingly discouraging sheep farmers, according to Pauc. He notes that the threat makes it difficult to maintain farms and motivate new farmers. Some opt for cattle instead, as the losses from wolves are more severe for sheep farming.Challenges in balancing priorities
The challenge lies in balancing economic performance, adaptation to breeding conditions, health resistance, and societal expectations. Pauc criticizes public authorities for not adequately addressing the issue of wolf predation and for failing to provide effective protective measures for flocks.The future of sheep farming
As sheep farming faces pressures from both climate change and predation, the need for resilient and economically viable sheep becomes more urgent. The collaboration between Fedatest, SAS Races ovines des massifs, and Copagno highlights the ongoing efforts to adapt and support the industry.
