The Rise and Fall of merino Sheep Breeding in the South of Ukraine during the Long 19th Century

Abstract

The paper analyzes factors that were influencing the development of the merino sheep industry to the south of Ukraine during the 19th century. The author seeks to highlight the peculiarities of the formation, specifics and directions of development of the wool business, to clarify the disadvantages and advantages of applying the European experience in local conditions. Much attention is paid to determining the economic importance of this industry in domestic and foreign trade in the development of a world market economy. It is established that Ukrainian merino sheep was extensive, had a marketable character, export orientation and depended entirely on market demands. The emergence of new suppliers of cheap raw materials in European markets has led to falling prices for wool and a reduction in its exports. The author focuses on the directions of merino sheep breeding that have developed in southern Ukraine, their specificity and constant modification to preserve the marketability of wool in the face of global competition. The internal problems of local shepherds were also highlighted, which consisted primarily of uncontrolled cross-breeding, the lack of qualified and experienced workers for evaluation and caring for sheep. Conclusion states about the inability to overcome crisis trends without government support, the introduction of professional training and scientific support for the development of this industry and finding additional sources of income.