Abstract
ABSTRACT Small ruminant production in semi-arid areas could be improved drastically by overcoming feed, health and management constraints. This study aimed at assessing the bio-economical sustainability of small ruminant production in the semi-arid regions of Lebanon through the introduction of an integrated technical package including: a basic health preventive program, feed optimization during critical late gestation period and finally, a basic selection program. Seventeen herders were divided into four groups: Groups A and B were given the full technical package with either soybean and corn meal or barley supplements, respectively. Group C received a basic preventive health program only and Group D was considered the control group. Bio-economic data were collected on a monthly basis over one year and submitted to a cost benefit analysis. Feed cost and pasture rent represented the major obstacles to productivity and contributed 53% and 33%, respectively, to the total financial cost. Groups A and B showed better financial revenues than groups C and D, with Group A having the highest return and lowest risk in terms of total expenditure and total revenue variances. It may be concluded that the integration of preventive health, feed optimization, and basic selection into one program could improve the economical sustainability of small ruminant production systems in semi-arid areas.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
