Abstract :
A random sample of sheep producers in the dry areas of Syria were surveyed in 2002. Based
on sheep movement, four production systems were identified; migratory, transhumance,
semi-sedentary and sedentary. The survey data was analyzed using a single-stage model
for estimating the technical inefficiencies of each production and its determinants. Technical
efficiency ranges from 0.67 to 0.97, with considerable variation within each of the
four production systems. The sedentary production system was the most efficient, and the
migratory system the least efficient. The major factors causing inefficiencies included high
abortion rate, low fertility, high lamb mortality, and long distances to markets and water
sources. Improving the physiological conditions of the sheep and selecting the appropriate
system of sheep production according to the location of the farm would improve efficiency
of the sheep production substantially. Efficiency of sheep production in Syria can
be improved by encouraging producers to shift to more intensive systems. As production
and market conditions are fairly stable in Syria, the results and their implications are still
valid.
