The question of development of livestock rearing is currently inseparable from that of regulation in the European Union because of the growing demands of food safety, animal health and the environment. The French overseas departments are governed by French national legislation, necessarily conforming with European Union legislation. The development of livestock rearing therefore has to be subject to at least a minimum respect for regulations resulting from a very different socio-economic system. By taking as an example pig rearing in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) the work is aimed at identifying the real differences between current livestock rearing practices and legal requirements, and at suggesting some ideas for a suitable development policy. The communication begins by describing the diversity of breeding systems, particularly the social and economic importance of herds which do not conform to the dominant model. The discussion goes on to consider the need for development, training and research institutions to keep in mind these breeding systems. The working practices in the various types of livestock farm are then compared with the current regulatory framework by using the double criterion of the Law and the Rule. The departures found, both numerous and sizeable, provide food for a discussion about the opportunity and means of bringing these farms into line with the standards, a process which should be part of the agricultural and rural development policy.