Lagoon cattle are small animals (smaller than the Baoule cattle). It is well adapted to its farming environment, where parasitic diseases are prevalent. They are robust and trypanotolerant [1] . They are also docile animals. Like goats, the Lagoon breed likes to live around houses [2] . Unfortunately, in some countries in which they occur, the Lagoon breed is only a trace [3] . In Côte d’Ivoire, this breed is on the verge of extinction [4] . For several decades, Côte d’Ivoire livestock statistics have estimated this cattle numbers declined from 7000 to 1000 in 1994 [5] . Furthermore, in countries where the Lagoon breed is found, it is excluded from breeding development programs. The reason for this is its small size. However, the breed has been replaced by the Baoule and Ndama breed within the framework of the “Élevage sous Palmeraie” project [2] . There is a trend among farmers to systematically crossbreed with Peuhl’s zebu to increase size and productivity at a cost to trypanoto-lerance and resistance to certain diseases [1] . The current status of the Lagoon breed in Côte d’Ivoire is unknown. Therefore, a major and fundamental problem in the management of animal genetic resources is the alarming situation of the breed. It is feared that the Lagoon breed will disappear completely if nothing is done. We need to understand the industry and how it is organized, and the breeders who are the main actors, to develop local breeds. The sociology of breeders, their training, and their economic activities must be considered when determining a viable strategy. This study was designed to contribute to the sustainable management and develop-ment of Lagoon breed in Côte d’Ivoire.

The total number of Lagoon cattle inventoried on all farms in the study areas (Southeast and Southwest) was 1020, including 157 males, 574 females, 116 calves, and 174 calves. This estimate may be revised upwards if a survey is organized in the other southern Côte d’Ivoire localities (San-Pedro and Sassandra) where the Lagoon breed has traditionally lived. Population structure also indicates that there are more females than males. This is because males are more often butchered for ceremonies, whereas females are kept for breeding.

Livestock farmers in the southwest zone are generally located in Tabou in the southwest of Côte d’Ivoire, in villages and sub-prefectures that are very difficult to access due to the state of roads and tracks. The breeders are indigenous. They belong to the local Kroumen ethnic group. Their education level ranges from primary to secondary. In the Tabou district, more than seven in ten women (70.2%) and almost six in ten men (59.8%) have no education. Illiteracy affects more than two out of three people (66.6%) [8] . Pastoralists are exclusively male. The ownership of herds is a family affair rather than an individual affair. Livestock are the property of extended families in each village. The management of the herd is entrusted to an influential member of the family, usually the patriarch. The patriarch chooses a family member responsible for recording herd births and losses. Young boys do not play an important role in the herd other than catching animals when necessary. However, the daughters of shepherds acquire cattle when they marry.

Farmers do not have the help of Peuhl staff in their work. The southeast zone breeders are in Aboisso, Adzopé, Agboville, Grand-Lahou, Jacqueville, Abidjan, and Sikensi. In this zone, trypanotolerant animal husbandry is more village-based than peri-urban. In fact, 95.34% of farms are in villages, whereas 4.66% are in peri-urban areas, such as Abidjan and Adzopé. A similar observation was made in [9] characterization study of Baoule cattle in the Pays Lobi of Côte d’Ivoire by [9] . Most breeders are financially well-off people who live in towns. They are assisted by Fulani professionals who are employed as herders or even cattle breeders. Only one woman owns a Lagoon herd. Similar observations were made by [5] and [9] . In the central, northern, and north-eastern regions of Côte d’Ivoire, these authors highlighted the dominance of men on farms. In the central, northern, and northeastern regions of Côte d’Ivoire, these authors highlight the dominance of men on cattle farms. In Benin, women help their husbands look after animals, so efforts should be made to encourage women to take an interest in Lagoon cattle rearing [10] . Lagoon cattle are not kept for plowing, and even less so for the production of milk. It is practiced in the southwest for social reasons. A local bull (Lagoon breed) is slaughtered for the funeral of an important family member. A bull is also demanded as punishment for a serious crime or strange event. This observation explains the structure of these cattle. There are more females. The renewal of the herd may also be affected. For the dowry ceremony, a pair of Lagoon bulls (a male and a female) is required of the groom. Several authors have observed similar sociocultural practices. In Benin, cattle are used to meet the collective needs of the lineage: funerals, ritual sacrifices [11] . In Togo, animals are killed during ritual ceremonies [12] . Among the Lobi in northeast Côte d’Ivoire, Baoule cattle are slaughtered during ritual ceremonies, sacrifices, and funerals, but also during dowry ceremonies and other celebrations [9] . Lagoon breed meat is used to prepare an exceptional dish that is eaten only during rituals by the Koma in northern Cameroon, unlike zebu meat, which is part of the daily diet of consumers [13] . Lagoon cattle have also been owned by farmers in the Southwest Zone for decades. These animals were acquired mainly by inheritance or by being given as dowries.

In the southern-eastern zone, most of the farmers interviewed were involved in rearing for economic reasons. However, some farmers breed for prestige. This is the case of the Dappa farm in Grand-Lahou and the Ahouman farm in Aboisso. These breeders offer bulls to villagers for traditional festivals or to obtain admini-strative power. [14] studied this prestige-based breeding practice in Madagascar, and [15] observed the same practice in Benin. In summary, the reasons for Lagoon breeding in the southern region of Côte d’Ivoire differ among the areas. However, the organoleptic qualities of Lagoon meat are considered better than those of zebu meat by farmers in the two areas. Research is needed to confirm organoleptic quality and promote the use of this endangered breed.

Measures must be taken to improve the performance of these animals to meet the needs of the population. At the same time, emphasis must be placed on preserving this genetic heritage. It would therefore be worthwhile to: raise aware- ness among stakeholders (especially breeders) about herd management that will enable them to increase the performance of this bull breed while preserving its adaptability. Breeders should be encouraged to form associations to promote the breed, which remains a rare resource in terms of performance. The creation of Laguanire bull nuclei should be considered in view of the risk of extinction.

This study of the socio-economic characteristics of Lagoon cattle rearing in southern Côte d’Ivoire shows that cattle rearing in this region is practiced for socio-cultural and economic reasons, but not for prestige. The Lagoon breed is exclusively male-dominated in Côte d’Ivoire. In the absence of the introduction of foreign breeds, such as the Peul zebu, the Lagoon herd in the southwest of Côte d’Ivoire could be described as a pure breed. It is a traditional herd maintained for sociocultural reasons. Improved livestock production is a characteristic of SEZs. Most farmers were interviewed mainly for economic reasons. However, the presence of other breeds, such as Zebu and Ndama or even Baoulé, in this second zone could increase the risk of crossbreeding, which already affects the local Lagunaire breed.