SUSTAINABLE SMALL RUMINANT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN ASIA

Abstract

Sustainable small ruminant production systems are discussed in the context of the meaning of sustainability, diversity of goat and sheep genetic resources, products and services from both species, advantages and disadvantages of small ruminants,
current research thrusts, and development imperatives. Small ruminant production
systems are of four categories: (i) rural landless systems, (ii) extensive systems; (iii) systems combining arable cropping (roadside, communal and arable grazing systems, tethering, and cut-and-carry feeding); and (iv) systems integrated with tree cropping. Among these, integrated systems involving tree crops are neglected and underestimated and have much potential. Current research thrusts, based on an extensive review of the literature and trends, indicate that emphasis is given to feeding and nutrition, breeding and genetics and animal health. Much of the research relates to evaluation and assessment of component technology, have a strong commodity focus, and is undertaken mainly at the experiment station or university levels. Crossbreeding is rampant especially in India and China, and increasingly in South East Asia, but the precise objectives and reasons for it are often not clear. The development imperatives need to give increased attention to clear production objectives, choice of species and use of available breeds, increased numbers, strategy for feed utilisation, production — post — production and consumption systems, and marketing involving rural, urban and intemational markets. These and other aspects present major challenges and opportunities for the development in the future of sustainable small ruminant production systems in Asia.