Foreword
The economic transition in Central and Eastern European countries brought about significant changes also into the small ruminant production sector. Sheep and goat production, like the entire animal production sector, is forced to adjust its organization, structure and approach to the requirements of the market, while, at the same time - due to the lower standard of living - it becomes an essential subsistence activity for a growing number of household farms.
The genetic improvement, organization of breeding, research, extension services, alternative utilization of small ruminants as well as total quality management were among the main subjects discussed at the international workshop on "Sheep and Goat Husbandry in the Central and Eastern European Countries - A Struggle to Survive " organized in Budapest (Hungary) from 29th November - 3rd December 1997 by the Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition, Herceghalom, Hungary in close collaboration and sponsorsmurahip of FAO Subregional Office for Central and Eastern Europe, as well as FAO-CIHEAM and the European Association of Animal Production (EAAP). Hundred twenty participants from 22 countries participated in the workshop, which was very timely organized, providing the excellent opportunity for exchange of information and experience, as well as discussing possible options and ways to remedy present difficulties.
The proceedings, presented here, provide complete set of papers delivered during the Workshop as well as summary of a round-table discussion conducted at the end of the Workshop. Final conclusion may be drawn that while some of producers are struggling to survive, the others are meeting the challenge of the change, looking for innovative approaches, diversifying production, introducing total quality management and opening for the market in the attempt to reach the main goal - the long term economical sustainability.
Acknowledgement
The initiative and effort of Dr. Sandor KUKOVICS, Research Institute for Animal Breeding and Nutrition to organize and conduct efficiently the Workshop as well as print the proceedings, is greatly appreciated and acknowledged.
Also excellent organizational arrangements for the Workshop provided by Mrs. Klara BISZKUP is recognised.
The summary of the workshop
Main purpose of the workshop
The aim of the workshop was: to summarize the situation of sheep and goat husbandry in the different countries within the Central and Eastern European region, to get the necessary information about the changes occurring in these countries, about the tendencies and the possible relationships in the future, to determine the possible conditions for the future development in the region.
Participants
There were eighty participants attending the technical tour, while one hundred took part in the workshop. In addition to participants for Central and European Countries experts from France, Germany. United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and Greece were also present. In total 24 countries were represented.
The programme of the workshop
Breeding livestock as well as sheep and goat products exhibition
Within the animal show, those sheep breeds were
presented which were bred in the north-east region of Hungary. The following
companies and breeds could be seen within the show in Gelej:
· Awassi Corporation, Bakonszeg (Awassi
ewes and female hoggets);
· Bábolna Corporation, Szendr
Branch, Szendr (Suffolk-, Ile de France and Bábolna Tetra ewes and
rams);
· Csenger Co-operative, Tibota Co., Csenger
(Fertile Merino ewes);
· South-Borsod Co-operative for Fish and
Sheep Farming, Gelej (Merino, [Merino x Pleven Blackhead]
F1
- and Pleven F1
x Black East-Friesian ewes);
· Hajdúböszörmény
Star Co-operative, Hajdúböszörmény (Hungarian Merino
and Mutton Merino ewes);
· Hortobágy Public Utility Company
for Environmental Protection and Gene Conservation, Hortobágy (Black-
and White Hortobágy Racka and Transylvanian Racka ewes and rams);
· Ságia Agricultural and Trade Ltd,
Tiszacsege (Texel ewes and rams).
The following sheep and goat products of different
companies were presented within the products exhibition:
· Awassi Corporation, Bakonszeg (different
kinds of curds, cheeses and cottage cheeses, smoked and pickled meat products,
wool products made for the automobile industry);
· South-Borsod Co-operative for Fish and
Sheep Farming, Gelej (different kinds of curds, cheeses and cottage cheeses,
different wool products: blankets, cushions, mattresses, waist-warmers,
etc.,);
· Kistelek M+M Cheese Making Ltd, Kistelek
(different kinds of feta type cheeses, cottage cheeses, light and hard
cheeses);
· University of Veterinary Sciences,
Experimental Institute, Üll-Dóramajor (goat cheeses, goat sausages
and smoked goat meats);
· Agricultural Public Utility Company,
Szarvas (sheep and cow cheeses with different flavours);
· Pilis Goat Farm, Pilisszentlászló
(kefir and different cheeses based on goat milk);
· Gyosa Family Farm, Hajdúszoboszló
(special goat cheeses);
· Nagykunság Goat and Sheep Milk
Producers' Society, Kunhegyes (sheep and goat cheeses);
· Shepard's Cheese Ltd,
Berettyóújfalu (different light and hard cheeses, curds and
cottage cheeses from goats and sheep milk);
· Zemplén Goat Breeders'
Co-operative, Hollóháza (goat cheeses with different
flavours).
Scientific programme
The sessions were started with so-called country reports, following the English alphabetical order; the representatives of four countries in each session presented the situation of sheep and goat breeding in his/her own homeland. These country reports were followed by different papers, short papers and posters.
Session 1.
Session 2.
Session 3.
Session 4.
Round-table discussion
The participants were expected to find the proper
answers to the following questions:
· Which production systems can be managed
most effectively in the region?
· Which are the basic conditions that should
be available for effective management?
· Which are the possible means of improvement
under the present circumstances?
· What are the future possibilities?
Recommendations
The workshop concluded with the following general
recommendations for countries of the region:
· Size of the population of small ruminants
should match market demand and economic profitability.
· Efficient production systems should be
introduced using the most appropriate breeds and technologies.
· The market for sheep and goats and products
made of them, including by-products should be further developed. This should
include an increase in national consumption as well as better utilization
of export opportunities.
· Quality requirements of the market should
be determined, met and maintained with the aim to increase consumer's interest
and confidence in the products.
· An efficient extension system, able to
deliver directly to farmers the most up-to-date scientific and development
results, should be established.
· The proper exploitation of pasture lands,
landscape management as well as environmental protection are of growing
importance and should be pursued.
· Without the integration of producers,
small farms will possibly be unable to survive in the near future, thus the
creation of proper organizations is encouraged.
· A network, linked to FAO-CIHEAM Co-operative
Network on Sheep and Goats, able to assist in harmonization of research and
development activities in the area of small ruminants in the region should
be established.
THE PRESENT STATE OF
SHEEP AND GOAT FARMING
IN ALBANIA
Kume, Kristaq
Livestock Research Institute,
Tirana
Albania
---------------------------------------------
ABSTRACT
---------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
For centuries, the Albanian farmer has considered
the sheep and goats as traditional animals. Even nowadays, the growing of
these animals is one of the important directions in animal production. The
statistics of 1996 show that the small ruminants provide 32.6 percent and
18.3 percent of the total national meat and milk production,
respectively.
During the years 1991-1994, in which political
and economic transformations towards the market economy took place, the
populations of these two species significantly increased. In 1995, in comparison
with the year 1991, the population of sheep was about 45 percent greater,
and that of the goats around 43 percent. The year 1996 presents a decrease
in the number of heads for both species: it is about 498 000 heads of
sheep (from these 283 000 ewes) and about 400 000 goats (from these
255 000 does) less.
Among the principal factors which influenced
that decrease, the fraudulent pyramid schemes can be distinguished as a factor
with a strong effect. During this year, many Albanian farmers sold their
animals for meat consumption, with the idea of getting financial means by
being involved in these schemes.
THE SMALL RUMINANTS ON FARMS
There are 421 800 private farms in Albania
and from these 254 000 keep sheep and 213 000 raise goats. In about
40-45 percent of these farms both species are kept, in ratios that vary widely.
The average number of the animals on the farms that keep small ruminants
is different for different zones of Albania. Thus, in the farms situated
on the coastal-plane area, flocks with an average number of 10-15 sheep are
kept, and the average number of goats per flock vary from of 5 to 10 heads.
In the hilly-mountainous zone of southern and south-eastern Albania, the
farms keeping flocks with 40-50 sheep or 50-60 goats are more frequent, while
in Albania's northern, north-eastern and eastern zones, the average number
of sheep per flock varies in the limits of 20-30 heads and that of goats
from 10 to 30 heads. This variability in the size of the flock is determined
to a big part by the surface of the land the private farmers own and also
by the surfaces of the pastures and terrain in communal use. As the average
surface of the arable land per farm in Albania is 1-1.4 hectares, the
availability of the communal pastures presents an important factor influencing
the size of the small ruminants flocks. According to statistical data of
the year 1996, the structure of the farms keeping sheep or goats in Albania
is presented in Table 1.
As can be seen, about 45.7 percent of the farms
keep 1-30 sheep and about 54.3 percent 1-30 goats. A characteristic in Albania
is the existence of small-holder farms. However, during the last three years
the number of farms raising more than 50 goats or sheep has increased from
0.7 percent to 2.0 percent and from 1.2 to 2.4 percent, respectively.
Table 1. The farm structure based on the
number of animals kept
| By number of
goats |
No. of farms
|
% |
By number of
sheep |
No. of farms x 1000 |
% |
| No goats | 208.8 | 49.5 | No sheep | 167.0 | 39.6 |
| with 1-10 goats | 151.4 | 35.9 | with 1-10 goats | 180.9 | 42.9 |
| 11-30 | 41.3 | 9.8 | 11-30 | 48.1 | 11.4 |
| 31-50 | 11.8 | 2.8 | 31-50 | 15.2 | 3.6 |
| 51-100 | 7.2 | 1.7 | 51-100 | 8.4 | 2.0 |
| 101-200 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 101-200 | 0.4 | 0.1 |
| more than 201 | 0.4 | 0.1 | more than 201 | 0.4 | 0.1 |
| Total | 421.8 | 100 | Total | 421.8 | 100 |
THE FARMING SYSTEMS
In general, the small ruminants farming system
in Albania is an extensive one. It is based on the traditional concept of
year-round use of the natural grazing resources. Nevertheless, the
characteristics of this system vary in the function of the flock size and
geo-climatic conditions. Thus, the farmers who keep small flocks with 5-10
heads, group their animals in the pasture during the day under the supervision
of a shepherd, and in the evening keep their flocks in environments close
to the house. The flocks of 70-80 animals, are kept in the stable during
winter and graze in the pastures close to the village, while in summer the
animals are grouped in 2-3 bigger flocks and are transferred to the summer
pastures on the mountain. The flocks of 100-200 animals are in motion all
year. In the period November-March they move to the pastures of the coastal
area and during April-October they move to the mountainous pastures. This
system is especially common in sheep keeping.
The farmers who keep sheep in the lowland area,
in order to fulfil animal feed needs and exploit the natural pastures, use
the grazing of corn harvesting leftovers in the fields and cultivate forages
such as alfalfa and green oat. These are used as green feed and also as hay
during the winter time. In general, the concentrated feeds, principally maize
corn and bran, are used in limited quantities and only 1-2 months before
lambing. During the winter time the farmers of the hilly-mountainous zone
feed the small ruminants with dried oak leaves or hay which have been prepared
during summer. Farms with small ruminants having intensive production systems
are not yet created in Albania, and there are very few sheep flocks where
semi-intensive production systems are applied. The latter are found more
in the lowland area and they are directed toward meat production. The small
ruminants are raised by the Albanian farmers for meat, milk, wool and skin
production, which in a large part are used for family consumption. The principal
direction of the production varies according to the species and the geo-climatic
zones. The goats in Albania are kept for a double purpose: milk and meat.
The milk is consumed as fresh milk and a good part of it is processed into
cheese, sometimes mixed with cow milk. The processing methods are skilled
ones. Usually the milk is processed by the farmers themselves, but local
processors also exist who collect the milk from the farms. The meat production
is realized through raising kids, which are slaughtered after weaning time
or at the age of 3-4 months. In the mountainous zones of Albania, the farmers
use the wool and the skin for clothing and carpets (both sheep and goats).
The direction of production in the sheep kept in different zones of Albania
is different. Actually in the coastal-lowland zone which is more developed
in the social - economical point of view and the most populated zone, which
is more developed in the social-economical point of view and the most populated
one, the principal direction of the production is meat. In the hilly-mountainous
zone the flocks kept principally for milk production predominate. Today,
the wool is considered as a by-product of a little value. The sheep milk
is usually used for family consumption, fresh or processed curd and cheese.
The surplus of the products beyond the quantities for family needs are sent
to the market. Actually the predominant way of marketing milk is selling
it to the milk collectors who further process it. The meat is marketed as
live animals by the farmers themselves. This is done on fixed days of the
week in the markets situated close to the towns. The export of the milk and
its processed products and that of the meat has not yet started. The export
of the skins has developed quick during the last five years. The main
characteristic of the goat genetic fund in Albania, is the existence of the
pure indigenous genetic material. The studies done on the Albanian goat
population have shown that from the evolutionary aspect it may be classified
in primary population groups, in which the process of the standardization
is present. Although a variability among the populations kept in different
geo-climatic zones of Albania exists, the variability in the visible genetic
profile, in the morpho-biometric characteristics, the polymorphism of the
milk proteins and the differences in the production and reproduction figures,
the studies have shown that they can be considered as a genetic entity with
the same origin in which the genetic niches are found. Classifying the goat
populations in ecotypes, based on the surveys and measurements performed,
we get the information shown in Table 2.
These ecotypes take about 27 percent of the
total population. The other part is composed of indigenous goat flocks not
classified in ecotypes and other crosses with the above-mentioned
ecotypes.
THE GOATS
According to the statistical data, the milk
yield per goat in 1996 was 85 kg. This low figure is due to the systems of
production. The Albanian farmer, owing to the lack of the required infrastructure
which could ensure the evaluation of this product through its collection
and processing, is interested in getting a production with the minimum material
and financial means possible. At the same time, we must emphasize that the
genetic capacity of the Albanian goat is much higher; e.g., in selected and
well managed flocks, especially with feed at an acceptable level, the Velipoja
ecotype has produced 520 kg milk/goat/year and the Mati ecotype achieved
430 kg /goat/year. In Albania only two goat breeds, in a limited number,
are imported: Saanen and Alpine. The actual population of Saanen goats is
350 heads, and its crosses with the local breeds make 3200 goats. The Alpine
breed is represented by a flock of 80 goats and its crosses of 200-220 heads.
The Albanian farmer is interested in both breeds and he actually keeps them
according to the concept "the goat of the family", meaning 1-2 goats per
family. Their F1 crosses, according to our surveys, have expressed very good
qualities. The milk production data got under extensive keeping conditions
are about 90-120 percent higher. Meanwhile, the animals have inherited and
expressed good qualities in facing the difficult environmental
conditions.
Table 2. Average data for the goat ecotypes
in Albania
E C O T Y P E S |
||||||||||
Description |
Unit |
Dragobi |
Has |
Velipoje |
Mat |
capore |
Shyte |
Liqenas |
Dukat |
Muzhake |
Number (goats) |
Heads |
10 000 |
50 000 |
3 300 |
80 000 |
25 000 |
2 000 |
10 000 |
14 000 |
45 000 |
Withers height |
Cm |
56-68 |
58-73 |
57-72 |
57-73 |
53-71 |
54-70 |
64-72 |
51-63 |
54-68 |
Live weight goat |
Kg |
48-56 |
49-58 |
44-55 |
43-52 |
41-52 |
44-53 |
42-50 |
25-32 |
29-37 |
L. Weight
|
Kg |
76-89 |
87-97 |
68-79 |
68-81 |
65-76 |
67-80 |
65-78 |
40-46 |
43-52 |
Birth LW Males |
Kg |
1.9-2.6 |
1.9-2.7 |
2.1-3.1 |
1.9-2.9 |
1.6-2.1 |
1.72.2 |
1.6-2.2 |
1.2-2.0 |
1.4-2.6 |
Birth LW Females |
Kg |
1.6-2.2 |
1.6-2.6 |
2.0-3.0 |
1.9-2.0 |
1.5-2.0 |
1.5-2.0 |
1.4-2.0 |
1.0-2.0 |
1.1-2.4 |
Weaning LW Mal |
Kg |
10-13 |
12-16 |
12-15 |
10-13 |
7-10 |
7-9 |
7-9 |
5-8 |
6-10 |
Weaning LW Fem |
Kg |
9-12 |
11-14 |
10-13 |
4-12 |
6-9 |
6-8 |
6-8 |
4-8 |
5-10 |
Milk yield |
Kg |
100-220 |
90-210 |
130-240 |
105-240 |
120-230 |
110-190 |
90-220 |
80-190 |
80-230 |
Prolificity |
% |
100-112 |
95-110 |
105-115 |
105-120 |
90-105 |
90-105 |
100-110 |
100-105 |
100-105 |
SHEEP BREEDS
During the last 40 years, in the biggest part
of the sheep population, crossing with the imported breeds has been applied.
Different Merino and Tcigaya types are found in it. The intention has been
the increase of the wool yield, in quantity and quality, and the improvement
of the milk yield, as well. The aim of these crosses is the improvement of
the morpho-biometrical figures and animals' live weight. In general, the
crosses were not implemented in the framework of a national programme with
clear objectives and defined ways. A consequence of that is the existence
of a high variability among the flocks, especially in the coastal-lowland
part of Albania where about 350 000 sheep, or 25 percent of the population,
are kept. Actually, a new strategy on sheep breed improvement is being applied
in Albania. In the coastal-lowland part of the country the implementation
of the terminal crossing with the Ile de France breed is foreseen, while
in the hilly-mountainous zones the local sheep will continue to be improved
through the crossing until F2 with Tcigaya and Awassi breeds and Bardhoka
indigenous breed with the objective to increase first the milk yield and
secondly the live weight and meat production quality. Besides the indigenous
sheep known as "Rrecka" in the central, southern and south-eastern Albania,
the indigenous sheep genetic fund is localized in the northern and north-eastern
zones. In this area it is preserved as a purebred. The main average data
of the local breeds are given in Table 3.
Table 3. The average data for the sheep of
the local breed
Breed |
Number
|
Live
|
Wither
|
Production
milk wool
|
fertility
|
Birth.l.weig
M F kg kg |
weaning.l.weig
M F kg kg |
||||||
| Rrecka | 182.0 | 30-35 |
40-45 |
40-50 |
1.2 |
105 |
1.8 |
1.6 |
10.1 |
9.3 |
|||
| Ruda | 114.0 | 44-46 |
56-58 |
80 -110 |
1.4 |
16 |
2.6 |
2.4 |
13.5 |
13.0 |
|||
| Bardhoke | 61.8 | 46-50 |
58-64 |
90 -130 |
2.0 |
110 |
2.4 |
2.1 |
13.0 |
12.4 |
|||
| Shkodrane | 24.6 | 36-39 |
40-45 |
80-90 |
2.5 |
110 |
2.2 |
2.0 |
11.2 |
10.8 |
|||
| Bace | 22.2 | 42-45 |
50-56 |
100-110 |
2.3 |
115 |
2.5 |
2.3 |
13.2 |
12.7 |
|||
| Lare e Matit | 9.0 | 33-35 |
40-45 |
60-65 |
1.2 |
110 |
2.1 |
1.8 |
11.2 |
10.5 |
|||
| Lare e Polisit | 3.5 | 30-35 |
40-46 |
60-65 |
1.3 |
108 |
2.0 |
1.7 |
11.0 |
10.5 |
|||
Actually, in Albania the total number of the
small ruminants is found in private ownership. Every farmer keeps his animals
and they are not leased. The same applies for the barns. Only the natural
pastures near the village are in communal use. The alpine summer pastures
are property of the state and they are rented to the farmers to exploit them.
The pastures are also leased in the coastal-lowland zones where the animals
from the mountainous areas of Albania come to pass the winter period.
In general, on the farms with small-size flocks,
it is the family that looks after the animals. Also frequent used is the
system where some family farms group their animals into big flocks and pay
a shepherd to care for them. The payment is done in animal products: milk,
meat or wool. In the migrating flocks two practices are frequent: either
the farmer himself cares for the animals, or he employs a shepherd to look
after the flock and is paid in goods. The most frequent lambing system in
Albania is the annual one. In the coastal-lowland area the lambing starts
at the end of November and in the mountainous areas it is concluded by the
end of February. In some cases the culling ewes are stimulated with G.S.P.M
and new lambing out of season is taken. The goats too, kid annually during
the period January-March, with respect to the geo-climatic zones in which
they are found.
As mentioned above, the Albanian farmer feeds
the small ruminants by exploitation of the environment grazing capacities.
The purchased feed, mainly maize corn or bran, make a small percentage of
the feeding ration. All this is due to the lack of a market which could absorb
the animal products, and to the low economic level of the farmer. Influential
is the fact that the average farm size is very small and the family farm
has to get everything from it. This explains why the farm mechanization level
is very low, too. Further, the credit system in Albania, which could strongly
exert its effect on the mechanization level, is very fragile and operates
with much difficulty, and in general it can be considered as an inactive
one.
ORGANIZATIONS
The processes of farming farmers' co-operatives
are in the first steps. Actually, only the National Small Ruminants Production
Association is institutionalized and it has so far had a modest activity
and geographical extension. Such a fact is a consequence of the low development
level of the Albanian farm and the need, yet without real support, for its
further development. In a more general sense, this is a consequence of the
economic level of the Albanian society. Nevertheless, as a need of the process
of the production, often farmers have sought and realized the co-operation
among them. They particularly feel this co-operation in the realization of
the exchange of the breeding material and in the establishment of the rules
for the communal use of the natural feed resources. The groups of farmers
keeping the sheep of Rude, Bardhoke and Shkodrane breeds and those of such
goat ecotypes as Mati, Dragobi, Dukati, Liqenasi, Muzhake etc., in flocks
of more than 50 animals, have extended their co-operation in milk collection
and marketing. Such organizations, however, remain at the level of fulfilling
needs of the moment. These are not yet institutionalized as organizations
which could undertake and solve, at the required technical level, the complex
problems of animal production.
Taking into consideration the farmers' low
co-operation level and being aware of the importance of the technical
information, the Albanian government has undertaken and is realizing the
creation and the development of the structures which must provide the technical
advice and technology transfer to the private farms. This process is developing
according to the strategy designed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food
in collaboration with its research institutes and with the financial and
technical support from international organizations. Actually, in Albania
governmental structures are created and operate which are responsible for
producing the messages and all the required information for the transfer
of in the production technology innovations, but at the same time, practically
realize this transfer to the farmer's level. The aim is to provide the Albanian
farmer with the required help and technical assistance needed for solving
his problems. Actually this assistance is focused upon the problems of feeding
small ruminants according to the different physiological situations, the
ways to efficiently use of the natural feed resources, the problems of animal
health and reproduction, housing and milk processing. Concerning breed
improvement problems, under the actual conditions found in Albania, we can
say that the possibilities for their scientific treatment are limited. What
can be done today is only the organization of fairs and exhibitions through
which the evaluation of the best reproducers may be realized and the exchange
of the genetic material may take place among the farmers. Geo-climatic conditions
and the quantity of the spontaneous vegetation cover have always favoured
the development of small ruminants in Albania. Having that as a main activity,
the Albanian farmer has found solutions which harmonize well development
with the requirements for environmental protection. Special care is shown
for the forest protection and we can say that, in general, the sylviculture
and the small ruminants, especially the goats, are complementary to each
other.
MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMY
The main scope of the management of small ruminants in small flocks, is the provision of animal products for family needs. This and the lack of a real possibility for data collection and financial-economic information from the farms of such size, makes their economic evaluation very difficult. Yet, we can state that the bigger the flock size, the higher the economic profitability. Two of the principal needs of the farmers who are more specialized in keeping small ruminants are: to get low interest credit to build milk processing units and to establish the structures which could realize the marketing of the animal products.
SHEEP AND GOAT HUSBANDRY IN BOSNIA AND
Muratovi, S. Brodlija, K.
Domba,
E. Farm of sheep husbandry
Faculty of Agriculture Kakanj
Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina
---------------------------------------------
ABSTRACT
Bosnia and Herzegovina has some 5.1 million hectares of land, half of which is agricultural and a further 45 percent is covered in forests. Within the agricultural land area, about 40 percent is arable, 55 percent is meadows and pastures and 5 percent is orchards and vineyards.
In the same year, the average milk and wool yield of the ewes were 30 litres and 1.3 kilograms, the reproduction level was 102 percent.
---------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
Bosnia and Herzegovina is situated in Southeastern
Europe. It is almost land-locked and has a continental climate except for
the immediate hinterland of the Dalmatian coast, which has a Mediterranean
climate.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has about 5.1 million
hectares of land, half of which is agricultural and a further 45 percent
is covered by forests. Within the agricultural land area, about 40 percent
is arable, 55 percent is meadows and pastures and 5 percent is orchards and
vineyards.
Historically, settlement has been in the valleys,
with individual sheep farms at higher altitudes.
STATUS OF SHEEP AND GOATS HUSBANDRY
IN 1991
The number of sheep by category in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1991 was as follows:
Table 1. Number of sheep by category and ownership (in `000 heads) in B&H
Item |
Total number |
Ownership, % |
|
Private |
"Organized" |
||
Ewes |
971 |
99.0 |
1.0 |
Other sheep |
346 |
99.1 |
0.9 |
Total sheep |
1 317 |
99.0 |
1.0 |
Table 2 contains the average production of sheep milk, wool and sheep slaughtered in the private sector in 1991.
Table 2. Average production milk, wool and slaughtered sheep
Year |
milk/ewe/year, kg |
wool/sheep/year, kg |
slaughtered sheep |
1991 |
30 |
1.3 |
1.02 |
One of the main reasons for low production on
the individual farms is the absence of scientific research work and extension
services with farmers for many years (80 years).
The goat population is relatively low as a result
of an edict prohibiting their husbandry since 1951. This appears to have
been considered as a soil and forestry conservation measure and the keeping
of goats are still regarded as controversial by a number of observers.
STATUS OF SHEEP AND GOAT HUSBANDRY IN 1997
The reconstruction of small ruminant livestock
sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina need settling statistics data.
Recently, we have visited two locations (Travnik
and Livno) and collected some data.
The Travnik area in 1991 had 49 000 sheep,
and now the number of sheep has decreased to 22 000 (breed Pramenka
- Vlai). The number of sheep in a flock is 60 heads (22-150). Farmers have
about 1.5 ha of land (average) on the Vlai Mountain. In the summer, feeding
of the sheep is conducted on the Vlai's grassland. During the wintertime
(November to April) farmers go to North Bosnia (areas Tuzla, Brko,
Biha).
The Livno area in 1991 had 20 000 heads
of sheep and now number of the sheep is about 5 000. Ten individual
farms have about 200 heads of sheep. Other farmers have an average 10-20
heads of sheep. Summer feeding of sheep is on the mountain Cincar, nearby
Livno (10 km). During the wintertime, farmers come back to villages
of the Livno area. Farmers have an average 4.0 ha of land in the Field of
Livno.
MARKETS FOR SHEEP PRODUCTS
Markets are a very important economic factor
in sheep production. They directly determine the trend and scope of production,
although sheep are only assets and important to people living in mountainous
areas. The market includes a sheep market and, last time, a goat market,
as well as their products.
The market for lambs (meat) and cheese is very
active; these factors enhance and stimulate development of small ruminant
production. For example, Livno and Travnik cheese production grows very fast,
because of the high quality as well as high prices.
At this time sheep and goat husbandry need
protection of ancient breed reproductive lambs.
CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of a rehabilitation programme
in sheep and goat husbandry should include serious extension and rehabilitation
of scientific research work; also, the State programme of domestic breeds'
protection and development should be included.
Bosnia and Herzegovina needs the assistance
and support of the International community in its struggle to preserve sheep
and goat husbandry.
REFERENCES
Livestock rehabilitation project in Bosnia
and Herzegovina - implementation. Third joint EAAP/FAO workshop for European
National Coordinators, Vienna, Austria, 1997.
Annually statistic's report of BiH, Sarajevo,
1992.
PRESENT SITUATION IN SHEEP AND GOAT FARMING OF BULGARIA
Dimov, Doytcho
Agricultural University of
Plovdiv
Department of Animal Husbandry,
Plovdiv 4000, Bulgaria
---------------------------------------------
ABSTRACT
According to different geographical locations
(lowlands, hills or mountains), different breeds exist. Bulgaria has a great
diversity of genetic resources for sustainable sheep and goat farming. These
genetic resources need better monitoring and management.
In the beginning of 1997, 98.89 percent of sheep
and 99.95 percent of goats were in private ownership, but 83.17 percent of
pastures are state or communal. During the grazing period all herds feed
on communal pastures. Lots of work on sheep and goat farms is done by hand.
At the end of 1995 the Ministry of Agriculture
started a project for building the National Agricultural Advisory System
(NAAS). NAAS can be considered as a prototype of an "Extension Services"
system.
The basic weakness of sheep and goat husbandry
in Bulgaria is the lack of integral connection between farmers, processing
and marketing of sheep and goat products.
The present production system is very difficult
to manage. Existing farmers' and breeding organizations are new organizations
with insufficient experience and resources to protect the economic interests
of the new farmers. Also missing are well-trained people for effective management
of sheep and goat production.
The purpose of the new government is to create
favourable conditions for production without active intervention in the
production sector. In this situation farmers' initiative is of great importance
for successful development of sheep and goat farming. The presence of effective
farmers' and breeding organizations is a key factor to achieve sustainability
of the sheep and goat industry.
In the present situation, possible means to
improve production systems are: (i) a careful study of the present production
system; (ii) setting up a parameters of sustainable production in local
ecological and market conditions; (iii) moulding of new production strategies
for direct access of farmers into the market; (iv) development and
implementation of pilot-projects with participation of farmers for modern
sustainable sheep and goat production.
-------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION
Table 1. The number of sheep and goats
Year |
Number of sheep |
Number of ewes |
Number of goats |
Number of does |
1990 |
8 130 000 |
5 006 000 |
432 923 |
366 559 |
1995 |
3 397 610 |
2 357 000 |
795 436 |
655 611 |
1996 |
3 383 034 |
2 386 451 |
833 325 |
668 250 |
1997 |
3 019 600 |
1 999 693 |
848 742 |
619 168 |
Actually, the reduction of the sheep population
is on account of the former co-operative sector. Before 1990, the dominant
part of the sheep population were Merino and Semi-merino breeds. When large
co-operative farms were disrupted after 1991-1992, the private sector could
not accept these breeds because they were not profitable.
Nowadays, the high interest in goat farming
is due to the low standard of the rural and mountain population. Many people
keep goats to satisfy their own needs of milk, milk products and meat. In
comparison with cattle, goat keeping is easier. They are not demanding regarding
the forages and they require less expense.
The number of sheep and goat farms
In the beginning of 1995, the number of sheep in the private sector was 92.3percent, kept on 486 627 farms (6.4 sheep per farm). Total number of goats was 99.9 percent, kept on 373 900 farms (2.12 goats per farm) - the information is from the National Institute of Statistics - 1995. Under these conditions, the term "farms" is not very proper. "Individual farmers" is a more accurate expression.
The farm structure
The small size of the herds is a typical characteristic of today's sheep farming. A lot of people keep sheep to satisfy their family needs of milk and meat. There is a limited percentage of farmers who keep large herds over 100 ewes (Table 2).
Type of production
Flock size and production technology for most
of the farmers determine an extensive production system. With regard to milk
yield per ewe in lowlands, where Pleven Black-head, Stara Zagora and Maritza
sheep are kept, there is a semi-intensive production system.
Table 2. Flock sizes of sheep farms of Bulgaria
(private sector)
Number of sheep |
Number of farms |
Structure (percent) |
|
428 789 |
88.12 |
|
43 236 |
8.88 |
|
12 231 |
2.51 |
|
1 831 |
0.38 |
|
540 |
0.11 |
| Total number of farms | 486 627 |
100.00 |
(Source: Lazarova 1995)
The main products and their importance
Figure 1. Structure of the income for 1997 in the herds of Maritza sheep
Market and relative importance of the markets from the economical point of view
Table 3. Household consumption of foods from small ruminants in Bulgaria (per capita)
| Products | 1994 |
1995 |
| Meat | ||
| Lamb and kids, kg | 2.4 |
2.2 |
| Mutton and goat, kg | 1.4 |
1.3 |
| White cheese*, kg | 10.0 |
9.2 |
| Yellow cheese,* kg | 1.6 |
1.5 |
Table 4. Exported ratio of some products of small ruminants
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
|||||||
| Export | Total export |
(%)** |
Total export | (%)** |
Total export | (%)** | |||
| Live animals (x 1000) (n) | 944.5 |
499.9 |
748.28 |
||||||
| Carcass, (t) | 4 151.0 |
7.30 |
1 732.0 |
3.40 |
|||||
| Cheese *, (t) | 15 200.0 |
25.37 |
6 300.0 |
11.90 |
5 700.00 |
13.93 |
|||
* cow, sheep and goat cheese - total; ** percent from total production
Main export markets and prices of products
It was until recent years that Bulgaria exported
small ruminant products (lamb, mutton, cheese) to Arabian countries - Syria,
Jordan, Saudi Arabia. Nowadays, the exports to these countries is being
restricted.
In 1995, the export of live animals (499 934
small ruminants) was mainly oriented to Greece (57.2 percent), Syria (31.7
percent) and Italy (8.5 percent). Carcass export chiefly concerns Greece
(52.9 percent), Italy (18.2 percent), Jordan (6.3 percent), etc. Average
export price per kilogram was: live body weight US$1.58; carcass US$4.39.
During 1995, total export of cheese (white and
yellow) amounted to 6 300 tonnes, but in 1996 it decreased to 5 700
tonnes. During the last years total export of cheese showed a constant trend
of decreasing (67 percent in comparison with 1990) which is a result of reduction
of dairy animals (cow, ewe and goat). White and yellow Bulgarian cheeses
are sold all over the world. The exports of 1995 are distributed throughout
European countries, the United States of America, Australia and Arabian
countries.
Selling products from farms
Table 5. Selling products from the farms
Year |
Ewe Milk (t) |
Goat Milk
(t) |
Wool (t) |
Meat *
|
1990 |
262 000 |
62 100 |
27 800 |
168 925 |
1995 |
119 587 |
142 700 |
8 790 |
115 818 |
1996 |
110 308 |
139 000 |
9 193 |
127 220 |
Export forms of products
Traditionally, main forms of small ruminant
export are: live animals, carcasses and cheese (white and yellow). The skins
(raw and leathers) are not a significant part of the total export from small
ruminants. The clothing and fur industries are not very proper parameter
for small ruminant products, since responsible companies preferably use imported
materials. During the last years in the country, the regular import of wool
has been from Russia.
Breeds (and their names) bred in Bulgaria
Sheep Breeds
In the mountains, Tzigai, Karakachaska and other local sheep are dominant breeds. Some rare breeds still exist in the hill area of the country - Local Karnobat breed, Coopery-red Shumenska.
Goat Breeds
The predominant part of goat population are
local goats, well adapted to local geographic and husbandry conditions.
Genetically they are heterogeneous groups with different fur- color. Milk
yield varies from 250 to 400 litres.
It is wise to breed Bulgarian White Milky (BWM),
which successfully combines the high productive traits of Saanen goat and
fitness characteristics of local goats. Milk yield is about 375 litres per
210 days (Terziyska et al.,1994). High interest exists in the Saanen goat,
Togenburg, Anglonubian and their crosses, but their numbers are not significant.
The status of property
Table 7. Status of property on the sheep and goat populations of Bulgaria (01.01.1997)
| Status of property | n |
percent |
Sheep |
||
| Private | 2 986 314 | 98.89 |
| Co-operative + State | 33 286 | 1.11 |
| Total | 3 019 600 | 100.00 |
Goats |
||
| Private | 848 292 | 99.95 |
| Co-operative +State | 450 | 0.05 |
| Total | 848 742 | 100.00 |
Table 8. Status of property of arable and pasture lands in Bulgaria
Thousands hectares |
State and
communal
percent |
Agricultural co-operatives percent |
Private
|
|
| Arable lands | 6 164 |
21.1 |
35.5 |
43.4 |
| Cultivated lands | 4 693 |
5.7 |
42.4 |
51.9 |
| Pastures | 1 470 |
70.1 |
13.6 |
16.3 |
Lands and Barns
Farm labour
In the lowlands, the following situations can
be observed:
· Shepherds keep their own herds, but sometimes
they use the family to help. This system is dominant in the herds of Local
Maritza sheep, Pleven Blackhead, and Stara Zagora;
· During the grazing period, some farmers
practise different forms of co-operation, collecting their herds on the communal
pastures. During the night, herds usually come back to the barn of the owner.
The farmers take turns to look after the sheep during the week;
· In winter, sheep are kept in the barn
by the farmer. During the grazing period the farmer employs herdsman.
In the mountains, farmers use
only family labour during the winter. During the grazing period
some farmers collect their own herds and lead them to communal mountain pastures
for a long period. Some of them take herdsmen; occasionally, others take
them in turns to look after the herds.
Based on the current production system, thoroughly
changed in the last seven years, we are not supplied with any scientific
research or detailed description of labour organization at the farm level.
The lambing system
Usually farmers practice only one lambing per year. A second lambing during the same year can be found accidentally. In the lowlands, the lambing season starts in the middle of December and continues into the middle of March, while in the mountains February to March is the typical lambing season.
The origin of feeds used on the farms
During the grazing period all herds feed on communal pastures. In the lowlands the grazing period comprises 7-8 months, while in the mountains it is restricted to 5-6 months. Farmers use different methods of supplying feed for the winter period. Depending on the size of the owned lands, three possible systems can be found: self produced, purchased or mixed.
The presence of necessary equipment and machinery on the farms
Lots of work on sheep and goat farms is done
by hand. The most labour-consuming process in sheep farming, for example
milking, is done manually nowadays. Although machine milking was widely practiced
in Bulgaria (mainly on former co-operative farms), at present machine milking
of sheep is saved as a technology used only in the Research Institute of
Cattle and Sheep Breeding in Stara Zagora. Some local dairy sheep breeds
in the private sector are suitable for machine milking, but small size of
flocks and the high price of milking parlours is a great obstacle for
implementation of machine milking in sheep farming. One of the more specific
processes in sheep farming - shearing, can be easily mechanized, because
the clippers are accessible in the market. About 20 percent of the Breeding
Association of Maritza Sheep members use clippers. Tractors and other small-scale
machines are available for transport operations.
It seems that machine milking at this moment
is more acceptable for goat farming, especially for those who keep and intend
to keep more goats per flock.
Breeding and Farmers' Organizations in Bulgaria
Before 1990, 27 government services functioned
in the animal breeding area. They served mainly the former co-operative sector.
During 1994 they were reduced to 9 centres. By recommendation of the EAAP
Task Force on Central and Eastern Europe (K. Meyn 1996) these services have
been saved. Now, they are normatively authorized to continue livestock
improvement programmes of the government.
During 1990, the first non-government breeding
organization was established - the Breeding Association of Maritza sheep.
This is a small organization of forty members. The main task of this association
is to preserve Maritza sheep as a valuable genetic resource. In the beginning
of 1993 the milk recording programme of local Maritza sheep was started with
the support of private farmers from the Plovdiv region and the national fund
for scientific researches. Since 1996 monitoring of Maritza sheep has been
supported by the Agricultural University of Plovdiv. Because of the local
distribution of Maritza sheep, the Breeding Association of Local Maritza
sheep definitely obtained regional importance and contribution to
Bulgaria.
Unfortunately, this initiative has not been
followed by the farmers who kept Pleven Blackhead and Stara Zagora breeds,
which are larger populations. Instead, by the initiative of former government
services, another structure was established - The National Union of Sheep
and Goat Farming (1994). This process was prompted by the government structures
because it was obvious that the process of grouping and confederation among
shepherds and goatherds had been delayed. The expectations are that this
union will be able to support farmers. Now this National Union has to prove
its successful existence.
The Council of sheep and goat farming was created
in 1995. This counsel consists of well-known scientists who have to prepare
a national programme for sheep and goat farming restoration.
Extension services for the farmers
At the end of 1995 the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) started a project for building the National
Agricultural Advisory System (NAAS), with co-operation of the Agricultural
Academy and financial support from the programme PHARE. This is the governmental
policy to establish adequate structures into the field of agriculture in
Bulgaria. NAAS can be considered a prototype of "Extension Services" system.
Lots of farmers directly contact a scientists
and specialists from agricultural universities and research institutes, where
they can be advised and helped.
Aids and governmental supports available for the farmers
The main problems which have to be solved for the new farmers
The basic weakness of sheep and goat husbandry in Bulgaria is the lack of integral connection between farmers, and the processing and marketing of sheep and goat products. In Bulgaria there doesn't exist a good example, like the Awassi Corporation in Hungary (Kiss et al., 1997), that can be followed by the other farmers. A great contribution in the rebuilding of the sheep industry could be done by those who can integrate these three parts of the production chain: production - processing - marketing.
Alternative utilization of small ruminants in the country
Lately, more attention has been given to ecological aspects in animal husbandry. The society set up requirements for ecologically clean production. Some projects for building demonstrative ecological farms of sustainable agriculture have been started. On these farms, agricultural animals were included as an important element of the whole agro-ecological production chain. For example, at the Agricultural University of Plovdiv, a mixed ecological farm was established as an Agro-ecological centre. A sheep farm there was built with a small herd of 40 sheep.
What kind of economical situation could be seen regarding different sizes of farms?
The farms with 21 to 50 and 51 to 100 sheep per flock can be the basis of farmers' organizations and future breeding work.
Availability of governmental programmes to save and rebuild the sheep and goat industry
During forthcoming years, the economy of the
country will work under conditions of a "Currency board", which started on
1 July 1997. Strong reductions of the governmental budget are expected. The
government will not be able to support farmers financially and directly.
State funded "Agriculture" is available for
the farmers to draw credits, but until now there has been a low interest
to draw credits.
The purpose of the new government is to create
favourable conditions for production without active intervention in the
production sector. In this situation the farmers' initiative is of great
importance for successful development of sheep and goat farming. The presence
of effective farmers' and breeding organizations is a key factor to achieve
sustainability of the sheep and goat industry.
Conclusions
The present production system is very difficult
to manage. Reasons:
· Existing farmers' and breeding organizations
are new organizations with insufficient experience and resources to protect
economical interests of the new farmers.
· Lack of well-trained people for effective
management of sheep and goat production.
For successful management, it is necessary for
farmers to have access to the final markets of sheep and goat farming. This
could be achieved if:
· Farmers have their own cheese factories
to process ran materials and sell the final products on the market.
· The farmers are on a contractual basis
with processors and dealers in order to access the market.
At present the possible means to improve production
systems are:
· A careful study of present production
systems.
· Setting up parameters of sustainable
production in local ecological and market conditions.
· Moulding new production strategies for
direct access of farmers into the market.
· Development and implementation of
pilot-projects, with participation of farmers, for modern sustainable sheep
and goat production.
REFERENCES
Bulletin of the Ministry of Agriculture and
Food industry 1996. Analysis of situation and tendencies in Animal production
sector.
Kiss, B.- Kovács, P. - Székelyhidi,
T. & Kukovics, S. 1997. Breeding aims to develop sheep milk production.
In: Proceedings of the meeting of the FAO-CIHEAM Network of Co-operative
Research on Sheep and Goats, Toulouse, 9-11 March.
Lazarova, M. 1995. Structural problems
of the Animal Production. "Which way in Animal Production sector". In:
Proceedings of the Scientific conference, October 18.
Meyn, K. 1996. EAAP task force on Eastern
Europe. Livestock Production Science, In: EAAP News 46: 143-145.
Mikhailov, M. 1995. Structural problems
of the Animal Production. "Which way in Animal Production sector" In:
Proceedings of the Scientific conference, October 18.
Mikhailova, R. 1997. Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Agrarian Reform. Personal communication
(21-00-842/29.07.97).
National Institute of Statistics 1995.
Agricultural animals to 1st January, 1995. Sofia. In:
Statistical yearbook of Bulgaria. 1996.
Statistical Book of Reference 1997.
Tersiyska, M. - Popov, Zh. - Petrova, N.
& Dochevski, D. 1994. Milk productivity and composition of milk of
two breeds - Bulgarian White Milky (BWM) and Saanisated crosses, In:
Journal of Animal Science 134-135.
BREEDING AND PRODUCTION
OF SMALL RUMINANTS
IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
Mikulec, Kre_imir
Veterynary Faculty University of
Zagreb
Department for Animal Breeding and
Technology
Croatia
---------------------------------------------
ABSTRACT
Concerning goats, there are about 950 breeders, have herds of 50-70 heads, i.e. about 83 percent of breeders, and the rest have herds of 1-50 heads and more than 70 heads, i.e. about 13 percent.