Description of the zootechnical performance of the indigenous Algerian cattle breeds “Atlas Brown” from the region of El Ouldja in western Algeria

Animal species, with all their characteristic breeds, are little known, and some are even in the process of extinction, with ecological and economic consequences. The local "Atlas Brown" cattle breed, in particular, represents a vital resource and a universal genetic heritage subject to increasing genetic erosion. This breed is divided into rustic sub-breeds "Cheurfa, Guelmoise, Stifienne, Chlifienne and Kabyle" which owe their name to the region where they are established. The majority of the farms are managed according to an extensive silvo-pastoral system. The physico-chemical analysis of raw milk in the El Ouldja region (Algeria) is mainly influenced by the three periods of milk production during the year. The milk presented a pH of 6.64, a density of 1.028, a dry matter (DM) of 11.13%, a fat (FM) of 28.50% and a protein (PM) of 26.48%. Due to the high lactose value (Lac) of 47 g/L in the high season, it can be considered that the milk of local cows in the El Ouldja region can be used and valorised in the yoghurt industry. The zootechnical services collected make it possible to anticipate an enrichment of the data in order to perpetuate this bovine species. In addition, the control of physico-chemical data of raw milk from local cows offers new opportunities for the development of local food production.