DEVELOPMENT OF SHEEP FARMING AS A PRIORITY BRANCH OF AGRICULTURE IN THE ZABAIKALSKY REGION

Abstract

The pedigree base of sheep farming in the Zabaikalsky region is concentrated in 8 pedigree farms and nine reproducer farms, as well as in the Autonomous Region "Zabaikalsky Center for Pedigree Livestock Farming." Currently, there are seven pedigree farms and six reproducer farms in the region that are engaged in breeding Zabaikalsky fine-fleeced sheep, with a total population of 76.9 thousand sheep, accounting for 75.7% of the total pedigree sheep population. An analysis of the sheep population in the region over 15 years indicates a decline, which can be attributed to reduced demand for wool production and livestock losses due to fires that affected large areas. It should be noted that wool production has decreased due to cheaper raw materials such as cotton and synthetics. The region has adopted a Comprehensive Program for the Development of Sheep Farming until 2030, the result of which should be an increase in the sheep population from 405 to 655 thousand head, wool production from 964 to 2173 tons, the creation of at least 1,500 new jobs in sheep farming and the processing industry, and the development of high-quality clothing and other consumer products based on wool by the end of 2030. Scientific research justifies the priority development of sheep farming in the region as a traditional branch of agriculture and a tool for preserving the rural way of life. Since sheep farming products are primarily concentrated in private households, where difficulties in selling products are observed, developing a model for interaction between these entities and agricultural organisations, pedigree farms, and reproducer farms is advisable.