Résumé
Tropical livestock keepers face major challenges to match nutritional herds' requirements, due to forage seasonality and climate change. The objective of this work was to get updated insights on feeding and nutrition (F&N) practices implemented by Cuban livestock keepers, for whom access to supplements are limited, little is known and literature remains outdated. Eight farms belonging to current small- and medium-sized private farmers in Camagüey province (21°N-77°W) were evaluated. Semi-structured surveys were conducted with farmers, relatives and local stakeholders. Quantitative and qualitative information was collected from different sources and databases were built to characterize F&N systems according to season, available feed resources, herd mass per month or other management strategies (e.g., reproduction). Using the INRA feeding system (2018), dynamic nutritional balances were performed in each farm, herd category and physiological stage throughout a typical year. The availability of dry matter (DM) and requirements of protein truly digestible in the small intestine (PDI) and net energy forage unit for lactation (FUL) were considered. Results show that farm' available DM is not enough and PDI, FUL requirements are not matched in the dry season and almost the entire rainy season (most abundant biomass period). Some farmers apply judicious strategies e.g., allocating resources according to prioritized stages and performances. Differences between farmers were identified, mainly related to contrasting practices in terms of reproduction management or F&N policies. There is room for improving the nutritional status of herds without necessarily requiring major investments (e.g., reproduction applying male effect to concentrate calving peaks, pasture management, adding value of by-products, etc.).