Teams

There are three divisions at P3R: sheep production, goat production and crop & forage production.

Sheep experimentation division :

This division is closely involved in the ovine sector, with the creation and distribution of the Romane breed (initially INRA 401). Its main activities are :

• Studying the genetic variability of traits of zootechnical interest: fertility, numerical production, growth and meat product quality, disease resistance (particularly parasitism), species adaptation to climate change, animal resilience, GHG emissions, reproduction.
• Implementation of quantitative genetics tools and methods: data collection and management, analysis of selection schemes, qualification of breeding stock, genome analysis.

The flock counts 1,600 ewes of the breed Romanes.

The sheep experimentation center is composed of four sheepfolds (2 x 1750m², 1200m² and 600m²), 3 semi-open-air sheepfolds of 220 m² each, and an infirmary. Since 2021, the Unit has been equipped with a 1800m² Phenotyping Hall capable of housing several batches of sheep.

Goat experimentation division :

This experimentation unit is in the center of one of the two production areas for AOC Crottin de Chavignol cheese. The center is strongly involved in the goat commercial farming sector, notably through animal indexing and links with the CAPGENES breeding organization. Various research topics are studied:

•     Genetic variability in goat milk composition, particularly in terms of lipolysis.
•     Seasonality in Alpine goats.
•     Disease resistance (parasitism, scrapie and mastitis).
•     Alternatives to heat induction, to reduce or avoid the use of hormones.
•     Improving kids aptitude for meat production.
•     Longevity line selection.

The herd counts 250 Alpine goats in lactation and 150 renewal goats.

The goat experimentation division is composed of a goat house (1,800m²), a nursery (1,000m²), a laboratory and a cheese processing room. The Phenotyping Hall can also accommodate some goat lots.

Crop and forage experimentation division :

The farm extends over 620 ha of utilised agricultural area. The agricultural area is divided in two : 320 ha of permanent grassland to supply the Unit's livestock and 300 ha of crops including 90 ha dedicated to agroecology.

Since 2018, the Unit has been involved in plant agroecological transition and plant-animal integration. To this end, a 90 ha platform named ABY (Agroecology in Berry - Agroécologie en Berry) was set up to host several agroecological transition system trials, and a plot mosaic division was carried out followed by the implementation of agroecological infrastructures (grass strips, flower fallows). The experimental plant unit is carrying out pesticide-free trials, with different tillage gradients and the presence or absence of sheep. The aim is to test different technical itineraries, and to assess the impact of extended crop rotations rich in legumes, as well as that of biodiversity, on technical-economic, environmental and social performance. The ABY platform is involved in the DEPHY EXPE program, a PPR and a European PEI program, with the aim of finding solutions for tomorrow's farmers in the face of the challenges they face.