Cattle production: Current situation and future directions of development in Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Number of heads of cattle in the last 11 years is constantly decreasing. In this period, number of cattle is reduced by 18%. Number of cows and pregnant heifers reduced by 14%. Data indicate that at the end of 2006 1,096.000 heads of cattle were registered. It should be pointed out that number of cows and pregnant heifers of 710.000 heads at the end of 2006 which are included in reproduction represent the future of Serbian cattle production in future. Dominant breeds are Domestic Spotted and Simmental cattle, participating by about 70% in total number, then crossbreds of Domestic Spotted and Simmental and Busha cattle participating with about 25%, and about 5% goes to Black and Red-White cattle of European White-Black and Holstein races. Production of cow's milk is in slight constant increase. This can be explained by increased production of milk per cow. Genetic progress in milk traits was achieved by utilization of progeny tested bulls on milk and increased scope of artificial insemination of cows and heifers. Production of meat is in constant decrease which is consequence of reduction of total number of cattle as well as insufficient number of slaughterhouses with EU certificate. Of total quantity of produced meat, in Central Serbia 69.000 t and in Vojvodina 21.000 t of meat is produced. Starting from the current situation in cattle production, and on basis of previous practice, domestic and international, and development of cattle breeding, fast and efficient transformation of cattle production is necessary, enlargement of agricultural farms and forming of specialized farmers for production of meat and milk. Systems of certification and registration which would increase the product value should be introduced on specialized farms. Milk produced in this way can have added value on the market through special dairy products (hard cheeses, semi hard cheeses, white-soft cheeses and milk beverages). Agricultural households/farms specializing in meat production have objective - production of beef for domestic needs and export. Future of export of Serbian meat is first of all in production of beef of high quality which complies with demands of specific markets (Italy, Greece, etc.).