Trends in small ruminant husbandry and nutrition and specific reference to Egypt

Livestock numbers have changed around the world during the past decade; dairy cattle+1.3%, buffaloes+9.4%, beef cattle +5.1%, sheep −10.8%, goats +21.3%, chicken +26.6%, while the numbers of people increased by 12.1% during that time. In Egypt the population dynamics tells a different but interesting situation: dairy cattle −5.3%, buffaloes +12.1%, beef cattle +50.0%, sheep+29.9%, goats+32.8%, chicken+126.3%, while people numbers increased by 17.8%.Nevertheless, there is a shortage of protein and calcium from animal sources produced in Egypt in comparison to nutritional requirements, and there is an increasing gap between dairy products produced domestically and the amount consumed. Production improvements can be achieved by using new genetic technology; by changing nutritional management towards greater intensification; by adopting elevated housing systems for better internal parasite control; by using body condition scoring for improved reproduction; by using linear type appraisal for better selection of heritable traits; by supplementing veterinary services with mail order supplies and paramedic training; and by seeking Extension Service support and workshop participation. Justification for greater intensification comes from research in many countries, which has demonstrated higher net income to small ruminant farmers when changing from extensive systems of management even in developing countries. © 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.