CARACTERISATION MORPHOLOGIQUE DU MOUTON BALI BALI A LA STATION DE RECHERCHE AGRONOMIQUE DE SAME ET AU PERIURBAIN DE KAYES, MALI

In Mali, small ruminants, and sheep in particular, play a key role in livestock development strategies because of their considerable socio-economic importance. Despite this importance, little is known about the various breeds of small ruminants. The aim of the present study was to determine the morphometric and environmental characteristics of Bali bali sheep at the Samé Agricultural Research Station and in the peri-urban areas of Kayes. A total of 90 Bali bali sheep were studied. The various parameters studied were socio-economic factors and body measurements. The results showed that 86,54% of those interviewed were the owners of the farms, and 73,08% of the farms were old constitutions. Average selling prices were 578,261 FCFA for adult rams and 287,826 FCFA for ewes. The average weight of (50,15kg) of the animals in the real environment was significantly higher (P < 0,003) than that of the Station (43,47kg). Coats were predominantly white (77%), with convex muzzle and slightly rounded forehead. The most prevalent pathology was hypocalcemia (38,46%). The great variability in live weight observed in individuals of different age types in this breed should guide research into possible genetic improvement through selection. Keywords : Bali bali, Morphometric, Environment, Kayes, Mali