Energy efficiency and productivity in traditional herding in semi-steppe rangeland (case study: Kalat Rangelands, North-east of Iran)

Abstract

Traditional herding is an ancient activity that has continued from the beginning of human life on earth until today. Over time, alternative methods have replaced traditional livestock management methods, but in many countries, traditional herding still has a large share in meat and dairy production. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of this system, analysis of energy indicators is important. In this study, the common livestock system in northeastern Iran (Kalat region) and energy efficiency and productivity were evaluated. For this purpose, the identification of important livestock centers and the characteristics of all rangeland in the region were prepared and with a comprehensive and accurate evaluation, the target herd was determined. It monitored all livestock activities over five years, and it summed the input and output energies using the MAFF equation and Nicol coefficients. It also estimated the volume and price of livestock products to obtain real income. By summarizing all the information, energy efficiency and productivity indices were estimated annually. So, it estimated the energy efficiency index in the traditional herding of Kalat at 31% according to the sheep breed (Kurdikhorasani) of the region. The energy productivity index also recorded an almost downward trend during the study period and showed that it fluctuated entirely based on changes in real income. The results showed that energy indices are relatively lower than in other regions, and there is a need to reform the prices of livestock products and improve management methods for the sustainability of traditional herding.