How to increase production of beef, lamb and pork in Serbia for domestic market and export

Abstract

The present situation in livestock production and production of meat is presented in this paper, as well as directions for future work aimed at bringing changes to this branch of economy. In the last decade, a drop in the number of animals was recorded of approx. 2 to 3% at annual level. Also, drop in production of meat was recorded from 444.000 tons (1990) to 384.000 tons (2010). In order to have planned progress in production of meat it is necessary to define more clearly breeding goals with precise determination of all economically relevant and indicator traits. In addition to growth and body development traits which have so far been in focus of selection work, for production of meat also maternal traits are important, food conversion and quantity and quality traits of carcasses and meat.