Optimize goat pasture use and reduce labor on 99ha organic farm

The GOPEI Cap & Go project evaluates a 99-hectare organic goat farm in Hérault (167m altitude), managing 55 goats across 2 UMO. Focused on AOP Pélardon cheese production, the farm uses a forage-based diet of Crau hay and pastures. Key challenges include low feed autonomy (3-month storage), labor-intensive grazing, and nitrogen imbalance in rations. Initial data (2018) shows 39% grazing, 61% distributed feed. Hay analyses (2020–2021) indicate good digestibility (70–71%) but unbalanced energy and protein (PDLE/PDIN), risking nitrogen deficiency. Productivity: 20,669L milk (356L/goat), labor productivity 10,335L/UMO—below regional benchmarks. Recommendations: optimize rations, improve feed autonomy, reduce labor via staff recruitment, and implement rotational grazing with mobile fencing. Funded by FEADER and Région Occitanie.