In spite of the lack of statistical data concerning the development in the numbers of the different categories of cattle, it appears that the number of cows is no longer increasing at the rythm of 2 '/*> per year. In the absence of detailed and regular observation of the different types of cattle, it is difficult to deduce accurate indications of the probable development of beef supply. In the second part of the article are presented the results of micro-economic research wich enable us to outline certain conditions necessary for the expansion of this production. From two studies using simulation models one carried out in Aubrac for the production of cattle for fattening, the other in Brie for cattle-fattening, it emerges that the main obstacles to an increase in beef-production are : an unsatisfactory price-ratio between meat and cereals, the difficulties encountered by land-concentration in the areas where large-scale stock-raising could be envisaged, the uncertainty of the commercialisation of fattened cattle, especially of baby beef.
