CHEBLI YOUSSEF

@inra.org.ma

Animal Production Unit

CHEBLI YOUSSEF


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https://researchid.co/youssefchebli
Dr. Youssef Chebli has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable practices in rangeland and precision livestock management since 2009. With expertise spanning extensive farming systems, animal feeding behavior, grazing dynamics, and nutritional strategies, he is at the forefront of integrating science and technology to optimize livestock production. His groundbreaking work includes rangeland cartography, grazing management solutions, and decision-support tools tailored to the challenges of modern agriculture. Currently, Dr. Chebli is pioneering the development of the Pasture Simulation Model, a cutting-edge framework for evaluating livestock productivity under the looming impacts of climate change.

EDUCATION

PhD in Veterinary Sciences, University of Liège, Belgium
Doctoral Training Certificate, University of Liège, Belgium
Certificate in Principles and Applications of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Post-university Specialization Diploma (DSPU), Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (IAMZ-CIHEAM), Montpellier, France
Engineer's Degree in Pastoralism, Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV) Hassan II, Rabat, Morocco

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Animal Science and Zoology, Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, Agronomy and Crop Science, General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
25

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Impacts of predicted climate and vegetation changes on pastoral systems: Insights from eleven Mediterranean case studies
    Marco Bianchini, Matteo Francioni, Mohamed Tarhouni, Abderrazak Tlili, Jamila Msadek, et al.
    Ecological Informatics, 2026
  • Date Palm Pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Phytoestrogens as Natural Modulators of Estrus in Goats: A Molecular and Phytochemical Insight
    Amr Kchikich, Anass Ben Moula, Ayoub Kounnoun, Said Barrijal, Mohammed El Maadoudi, et al.
    Molecules, 2026
    Reproductive management in goats remains challenging due to seasonal breeding and the use of hormones that raise concerns about immunogenicity, cost, sustainability, and animal welfare. In this study, we evaluated date palm pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) (DPP) as a natural source of estrogenic compounds capable of modulating reproductive function. DPP was extracted using methanol, ethanol, acetone, and hexane, and the extracts were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography. Quercetin and coumestrol were detected in the methanolic and ethanolic extracts at comparable levels (quercetin 0.043–0.044 mg/g; coumestrol 0.987–1.015 mg/g of extract) (p > 0.05). The acetone extract contained significantly lower concentrations (quercetin 0.017 mg/g; coumestrol 0.033 mg/g of extract), while the hexane extract showed no detectable amounts. Molecular docking using the crystallographic structure of estrogen receptor alpha (PDB:6PIT) showed that both compounds interact with key residues of the receptor’s ligand-binding domain. Coumestrol exhibited the highest affinity (−9.3 kcal/mol), surpassing 17-β estradiol (−8.9 kcal/mol), forming several hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts. Quercetin showed a lower affinity (−7.2 kcal/mol) but maintained stabilizing interactions compatible with partial agonist activity. Overall, methanol and ethanol were the most effective solvents for extracting phytoestrogens from DPP, and the findings support their potential as natural alternatives to hormones for estrus induction in goats.
  • Past, present, and future of Argan ecosystems: climate change challenges and development prospects
    Youssef Chebli, Meriyem Koufan, Naima Ait Aabd, Abdelghani Tahiri, Youssef Karra, et al.
    Agroforestry Systems, 2026
  • Forage production and quality of key pastoral species browsed by goats in Mediterranean forest rangelands
    Youssef Chebli, Mouad Chentouf, Samira El Otmani
    Revue D Elevage Et De Medecine Veterinaire Des Pays Tropicaux France, 2026
    Background: The rich pastoral ecosystems, which are widespread in the Mediterranean, are essential for extensive goat farming. Their varied vegetation supplies the necessary nutrients for browsing goats. Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the seasonal variations in the forage availability and nutritional quality of plants browsed by goats in a Mediterranean forest rangeland in northern Morocco. Methods: Key pastoral species browsed by goats were sampled seasonally, and their yield, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility were determined using standard laboratory analyses. Results: The results indicated high variation in the parameters under investigation depending on the grazing season. Total dry matter (DM) yield peaked at 1860 kg DM/ha in spring. Shrubs provided the major contribution to total DM yield throughout the year. The crude protein content ranged between 58 g/kg DM (observed in Erica arborea in summer) and 228 g/kg DM (recorded in Calicotome villosa in the autumn). With plant maturation, there was a notable increase in fiber fractions, including neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Condensed tannin content ranged from 2.3 g/kg DM (observed in herbaceous species in spring) to 186 g/kg DM (observed in Pistacia lentiscus in summer). Most species exhibited the highest levels of in vitro digestibility in spring and the lowest in summer. Some plants, such as C. villosa, Olea europaea, and Myrtus communis, had higher crude protein and digestibility, and lower lignin concentrations throughout the year, making them particularly valuable during the dry season. Conclusions: The results show that forage availability and the nutritive value of plant species browsed by goats vary significantly across seasons. Some shrub species maintain relatively good nutritional quality and, therefore, may represent important forage resources for goats in the dry season.
  • Roadmap for a participatory observatory for rangeland monitoring based on image analysis
    S. Taugourdeau, M. Machdoud, O. Diatta, I. Sebari, Kenza Ait El Kadi, et al.
    Pastoralism, 2025
    This position article advocates for the creation of a participatory pastoral observatory, leveraging accessible technologies, including smartphones, to monitor rangeland ecosystems. Rather than reiterating the already accepted need for monitoring, we focus on how technological progress, ranging from ground-based field plots to satellite imagery, UAVs, and smartphones using Structure from Motion (SfM) methods, has transformed rangeland observation. We argue that an imagery-based community monitoring system can provide accurate, relevant, and timely data while empowering local stakeholders and informing policy decisions. We detail the operational steps of smartphone-based observatory, highlight its capacity to reduce labor-intensive biomass sampling, and discuss its feasibility when applied by pastoralists. We also draw lessons from related participatory approaches in Mongolia, Ireland, and East Africa. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches, this initiative can strengthen the resilience of pastoral systems, support sustainable management practices, and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. The proposed observation framework builds on existing research and technological innovations to promote a decentralized and inclusive monitoring system. We imagine such a type of observatory could be useful in Sahel Region or in Northern Africa, could describe practical challenges (smartphone penetration, network coverage, training for low-literacy users), and outline next steps for implementation.
  • Carvacrol and Thymol Enhance the Quality of Beni Arouss Buck Semen Stored at 4 °C Thanks to Their Antimicrobial Properties
    Amr Kchikich, Nathalie Kirschvink, Marianne Raes, Samira El Otmani, Youssef Chebli, et al.
    Veterinary Sciences, 2024
    This study aims to investigate the impact of carvacrol and thymol on the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen stored in skim milk at 4 °C. Ejaculates were collected from eight Beni Arouss bucks weekly for 11 weeks, pooled, and then divided into three equal parts. Samples were diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/mL in skim milk (control) and skim milk supplemented with a single dose of 200 µM carvacrol and thymol each. Evaluations of sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, and bacterial growth were conducted at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h of liquid storage at 4 °C. After 48 h of storage, the results indicate that the addition of carvacrol positively influences total and progressive motility and viability. However, it also leads to a decrease in lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Thymol showed similar results to carvacrol, except for progressive motility (p > 0.05). Bacterial growth was negatively correlated with total and progressive motility and viability (p < 0.05), while no correlation between lipid peroxidation and these parameters was observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of carvacrol and thymol to skim milk extender moderately improves the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen after 48 h storage at 4 °C due to its antimicrobial activity.
  • Application of Precision Technologies to Characterize Animal Behavior: A Review
    Abdellah Hlimi, Samira El Otmani, Fouad Elame, Mouad Chentouf, Rachid El Halimi, et al.
    Animals, 2024
    This study aims to evaluate the state of precision livestock farming (PLF)’s spread, utilization, effectiveness, and evolution over the years. PLF includes a plethora of tools, which can aid in a number of laborious and complex tasks. These tools are often used in the monitoring of different animals, with the objective to increase production and improve animal welfare. The most frequently monitored attributes tend to be behavior, welfare, and social interaction. This study focused on the application of three types of technology: wearable sensors, video observation, and smartphones. For the wearable devices, the focus was on accelerometers and global positioning systems. For the video observation, the study addressed drones and cameras. The animals monitored by these tools were the most common ruminants, which are cattle, sheep, and goats. This review involved 108 articles that were believed to be pertinent. Most of the studied papers were very accurate, for most tools, when utilized appropriate; some showed great benefits and potential.
  • Application of precision livestock farming to monitor the grazing behavior of goats
    Ceur Workshop Proceedings, 2024
  • Effects of Origanum majorana essential oil and antibiotics on the quality of frozen thawed Beni Arouss buck semen
    Amr Kchikich, Nathalie Kirschvink, Sara El Kadili, Marianne Raes, Samira El Otmani, et al.
    Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 2023
    This study aims to investigate the effects ofOriganum majorana(OM) essential oil (EO) at different concentrations and antibiotics on post‐thawed Beni Arouss buck semen quality. Semen collection was performed using artificial vagina from eight Beni Arouss bucks. Ejaculates were pooled, divided into 12 equal aliquots, washed and diluted to 400 × 106sperm/ml (with 7% of glycerol). Skim milk–based extender was supplemented with different concentrations of OM EO (0%; 0.01%; 0.02%; 0.03%; 0.04% and 0.05%) without antibiotics, marked as (CTR−), (M1−), (M2−), (M3−), (M4−) and (M5−), and with 50 mg of streptomycin and 50,000 IU of penicillin per 100 ml, marked as (CTR+), (M1+), (M2+), (M3+), (M4+) and (M5+), respectively. Aliquots were cooled to 4°C, then frozen in 0.25 ml straws with a programmable freezer and finally stored in liquid nitrogen for 48 h. Thawing was performed at 37°C for 30 s. Motility, live sperm, sperm abnormalities, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth were evaluated after thawing. Among the tested extenders, M2+ improved all semen quality parameters. Sperm motility, live sperm and membrane integrity increased significantly, while the number of abnormal sperm and bacterial growth decreased significantly. The toxic effect of OM EO, with and without antibiotics, appeared beyond 0.03%. In conclusion, M2+ is recommended to improve the cryopreservation of Beni Arouss buck semen.
  • Climate Change Impact Modeling on Citrus Yield
    Fouad Elame, Youssef Chebli, Hallam Jamal, Lionboui Hayat
    Strategizing Agricultural Management for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, 2023
  • Floristic Composition, Diversity, Palatability, and Forage Availability of Forest Rangelands in the Southern Mediterranean Region of Northern Morocco
    Youssef Chebli, Mouad Chentouf, Jean-François Cabaraux, Samira El Otmani
    Land, 2023
  • Seasonal feeding behavior of goat kids browsing in Mediterranean forest rangeland of Bouhachem Natural Park, Northern Morocco
    Livestock Research for Rural Development, 2022
  • Estimation of Grazing Activity of Dairy Goats Using Accelerometers and Global Positioning System
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Jean-Luc Hornick, Jérôme Bindelle, Jean-François Cabaraux, et al.
    Sensors, 2022
  • Effects of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) and turmeric powder (curcuma) on laying hens performance, physical and nutritional eggs quality
    A. Ait-Kaki, Y. Chebli, S. El Otmani, N. Moula
    Journal of the Indonesian Tropical Animal Agriculture, 2022
  • Forage Availability and Quality, and Feeding Behaviour of Indigenous Goats Grazing in a Mediterranean Silvopastoral System
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Jean-Luc Hornick, Abdelhafid Keli, Jérôme Bindelle, et al.
    Ruminants, 2022
  • Using GPS Collars and Sensors to Investigate the Grazing Behavior and Energy Balance of Goats Browsing in a Mediterranean Forest Rangeland
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Jean-Luc Hornick, Abdelhafid Keli, Jérôme Bindelle, et al.
    Sensors, 2022
  • Using GPS Tracking Collars and Sensors to Monitor the Grazing Activity of Browsing Goats in Forest Rangeland †
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Jean-François Cabaraux, Abdelhafid Keli, Mouad Chentouf
    Engineering Proceedings, 2022
  • Effect of olive cake and cactus cladodes incorporation in goat kids’ diet on the rumen microbial community profile and meat fatty acid composition
    Samira El Otmani, Youssef Chebli, Bernard Taminiau, Mouad Chentouf, Jean-Luc Hornick, et al.
    Biology, 2021
  • Silvopastoral system in morocco: Focus on their importance, strategic functions, and recent changes in the mediterranean side
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Fouad Elame, Nassim Moula, Mouad Chentouf, et al.
    Sustainability Switzerland, 2021
  • Effect of dried mealworms (Tenebrio molitor), larvae and olive leaves (olea europaea L.) on growth performance, carcass yield and some blood parameters of Japanese quail (coturnix coturnix japonica)
    Asma Ait-Kaki, Jean-Luc Hornick, Samira El Otmani, Youssef Chebli, Nassim Moula
    Animals, 2021
  • Temporal variations in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and metabolizable energy of plant species browsed by goats in southern mediterranean forest rangeland
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Mouad Chentouf, Jean-Luc Hornick, Jean-François Cabaraux
    Animals, 2021
  • Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of male goat kids supplemented by alternative feed resources: Olive cake and cactus cladodes
    Samira El Otmani, Youssef Chebli, Jean-Luc Hornick, Jean-François Cabaraux, Mouad Chentouf
    Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2021
  • Effects of olive cake and cactus cladodes as alternative feed resources on goat milk production and quality
    Samira El Otmani, Youssef Chebli, Mouad Chentouf, Jean-Luc Hornick, Jean-François Cabaraux
    Agriculture Switzerland, 2021
  • Foraging behavior of goats browsing in southern mediterranean forest rangeland
    Youssef Chebli, Samira El Otmani, Mouad Chentouf, Jean-Luc Hornick, Jérôme Bindelle, et al.
    Animals, 2020
  • Forest and silvopastoral cover changes and its drivers in northern Morocco
    Youssef Chebli, Mouad Chentouf, Pierre Ozer, Jean-Luk Hornick, Jean-François Cabaraux
    Applied Geography, 2018