Evaluation of pollutants in innovative sheep systems and product quality (EPSO)

Background and challenges

The use of sheep for eco-grazing is on the rise in France. This practice allows ecological management of land that is rather difficult to access (undergrowth, wetlands, scrubland, slopes, etc.). Today, the low environmental impact and the preservation of biodiversity associated with it favour its use in cities, for the management of parks and roadsides.

The practice of grazing cultivated land with sheep can also have an agronomic interest. The animals consume plant remains and weeds after harvesting, or graze fodder plants sown in the off-season, between two main crops, returning dung to the land and having a positive effect on the soil through trampling.

However, these new practices are implemented without any real assessment of the possible contamination of animals by environmental pollutants that are potentially more present and less controlled in these pastures than in conventional livestock farming.

Goals

The project will make it possible to obtain new data in relation to eco-grazing and intercultural grazing practices. The residue measurements should make it possible to compare these techniques with conventional livestock farming and, if necessary, to make recommendations regarding livestock farming techniques (e.g. pastures to be reserved for certain types of animals). The possible contaminants in Ile de France are part of the exposome that may be a source of risk for human health.

INRAE units involved

• Biologie de la Reproduction, Environnement, Epigénétique & Développement
• Laboratoire d'étude des Résidus et Contaminants dans les Aliments