A holistic approach to the multi-functionality of the gazing systems in the Caribbean

National audience; To study the grazing systems (GS), which are prevalent in the Caribbean,it is necessary to take into account different interacting components with the combine effort of a multi-disciplinary team. GS allow the increasing of animal production and has positive contributions to environmental management. Methods and principles of a holistic approach of GS are presented. The following research topics: animal nutrition and husbandry, forage ecophysiology and agronomy, gastro-intestinal parasitism and system productivity and sustainability are vital to the holistic approach of the grazing system in the Caribbean.