Evaluation of small ruminant production systems In the area of Lagadas County

The production systems of small ruminants (sheep and goats) were investigated in eight Municipal Districts and Settlements throughout a representative area of Lagadas County in winter 2002. Shepherds of the area were interviewed and questionnaires were used to investigate the characteristics of the production systems. The Municipal Districts, according to their elevation, were grouped into three zones: the low zone (<200 m), the middle (200-600 m) and the high zone (600-1000 m). The number of goats (14.950) that are raised in the area is larger than that of sheep (11.248) and is increasing gradually from the low zone (3.482) towards the higher one (7.401). Most animals remain at the Municipal Districts all year round, whereas only a low percentage is moved out (transhumance). Throughout the study area the production systems are based on rangeland utilization, complemented by temporary leys during winter and cereal stubble during summer period, but extensive use of feedstuffs is made as well (hay and concentrates), thus making them semi-intensive. Sheep and goats graze at the low zone for 9-10 months, at the middle one for 7-9 months, whereas at the high zone from 6-7 months. The feedstuffs which are given to the animals are corn, wheat, barley, rye, oat, alfalfa hay, cotton seed cake and beet pulp.