Publication prepared within the project “The development of a cooperation network between farm animal researchers and practitioners in Zemgale (FARA)”
The project is being implemented in the Latvian-Lithuanian cross-border cooperation program 2007-2013.
Partners of project: Siauliai University – SU (Lietuva) Latvia University of Agriculture – LUA (Latvia)
Authors: RAMUTIS KLIMAS (Coordinator of project, Siauliai University) ELITA APLOCIŅA (Coordinator of project, Latvia University of Agriculture) ASTA KLIMIENE (researcher, Siauliai University) VIDMANTAS PILECKAS (researcher, Siauliai University) VALĖ MACIJAUSKIENĖ (researcher, Siauliai University) DAINA JONKUS (researcher, Latvia University of Agriculture) LILIJA DEGOLA (researcher, Latvia University of Agriculture) DAINA KAIRIŠA (researcher, Latvia University of Agriculture) GUNTIS ROZĪTIS (researcher, Latvia University of Agriculture) AIGA TRŪPA (researcher, Latvia University of Agriculture)
Printed: SIA ‘Drukātava
Latvia – Lithuania Cross border cooperation programme under the european territorial cooperation 2007 - 2013
Project LLIV-222 „Development of cooperation network between farm animal researchers and practitioners in ziemgale (fara)“
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STOCKBREEDING IN North Lithuania and ZEMGALE
Šiauliai – Jelgava 2012 CONTENT
Introduction...... 4
1. Promotion of the principal fields of livestock sector in Northen Lithuania...... 4
1.1. Recommendations for cattle farming ...... 4
1.2. Recommendations for pig farming ...... 14
1.3. Recommendations for horse farming ...... 22
2. Promotion of the principal fields of livestock sector in Zemgale ...... 28
2.1. Development possibilities of the dairy farming ...... 28
2.2. Development possibilities of the pig farming ...... 35
2.3. Development possibilities of the horse farming ...... 43
2.4. Development possibilities of the sheep farming ...... 45
2.5. Development possibilities of thegoat farming ...... 50
2.6. Development possibilities of the poultry farming ...... 55
4 INTRODUCTION
The livestock sector is an important field of agriculture both in Lithuania and Latvia as it is one of the principal sources of employment and income for the rural population. In the framework of the project No LLIV – 222 „Development of cooperation network between farm animal researchers and practitioners in Ziemgale“ (FARA), a feasibility study on the situation of livestock sector in North Lithuania and South Latvia was made (Publication in CD). On the basis of the above study, this recommendation has been adopted stating planning measures and proposals which could be beneficial for the development of the livestock sector in Ziemgale region.
1. PROMOTION OF THE PRINCIPAL FIELDS OF LIVESTOCK SECTOR IN NORTHERN LITHUANIA
1.1. Recommendations for cattle breeding (V. Pileckas)
According to data from the National Land Service under the Ministry of Agriculture (Nacionalinė žemės tarnyba prie Žemės ūkio ministerijos), in Lithuania the total number of cattle keepers was 83636, of which in Northern Lithuania there were: 611 in Akmenės district, 921 in Joniškio district, 3 271 in Kelmės district, 1 205 in Pakruojo district, 1 756 in Radviliškio district, and 1 656 in Šiaulių district. The total number of cattle keepers in Northern Lithuania was 9 420. As reported by the state company “Žemės ūkio informacijos ir kaimo verslo centras”, the current number of holdings in Šiaulių county is 10 611, or 330 more compared to the last year. However, the average size of holdings has dropped from 13.92 hectares to 13.54 hectares. Cattle farming is the most important field of livestock sector in Lithuania. Over the last years there has been increased attention paid on milk and dairy products. In fact, milk is the principal output of livestock sector. In 2010, milk amounted to 24.7 per cent of the total agricultural product. In 2011, the pre-crisis (2007) amount of purchased milk was not still reached. Sudden price shifts and unequal milk purchasing conditions, where smaller producers receive a lower price, have considerably reduced
5 the number of small milk producers. Even the number of farms keeping 10-19 cows has declined, although earlier this group of milk producers used to grow. Due to increasing productivity of cows the amount of milk purchase has not dropped as significantly as the number of cows. There is no sufficient local milk supply for Lithuanian milk processors; importation of raw milk is growing fast. Solely due to this fact milk processors processed 3.7 per cent more milk than in 2007. Every month the owners of the inspected herds receive information on reproductive data of the inspected animals in the herd, changes in situation, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of milk. By logging on via the Internet to a cattle-farming information system containing data from recent years on each inspected cow’s productivity, the owner of the inspected herd can learn when and by which bull’s semen the cow was inseminated, when the cow has turned dry or calved, and other information. By accessing the data base of the milk-research information system, one can learn qualitative characteristics of the milk of each of their cows (the fat, protein, lactose, urea content and the number of somatic cells in the milk). By the number of somatic cells in milk the owner can assess the health condition of the cows, while the urea content in milk allows assessing their nutritional state. In order for the Lithuanian dairy sector to be export-oriented, further increase is cow productivity is needed. Dairy sector output, milk cost and dairy production effectiveness depend on the productivity of cows, it is therefore necessary to control the cattle productivity, which is the basis for breeding development. During the inspection period 01.10.2010 to 30.09.2011, 5 024 total herds were inspected in Lithuania, comprising 145 693 cows, that is, 42.73 per cent of the total cows kept. 41 200 cows, or 28.28 per cent, were kept in agricultural holdings or other companies, while 104 493, or 71.72 per cent of the inspected cows, were kept in family farms. 109 633 cows of the Black Pied breed, or 74.49 per cent, 35 692 cows of the Brown and the Red Pied breed, or 24.25 per cent, and 1858 cows of other breeds, or 1.26 per cent, were inspected. In the period 01.10.2010 to 30.09.2011, the average milk yield by an inspected cow was 6 392 kilograms of milk of 4.36 per cent fat and 3.37 per cent protein content. It represents a rise of 183 kilograms of milk, 8.2 kilograms of milk fat and 7.9 kilograms of milk protein since 2009-2010. In the last decade the Lithuanian dairy cattle has been characterised by an increase in milk yield and protein content, while milk fat content not only has not increased but has even had a tendency to decrease.
6 In 2011, the number of cows and their herds varied quite widely in different districts of North Lithuania region. The average size of cow herd was 4.40 in Akmenės district, 4.98 in Joniškio district, 6.40 in Kelmės district, 5.98 in Pakruojo district, 5.47 in Radviliškio district, and 4.82 in Šiaulių district. In North Lithuania region this indicator was on average 5.20, or by 21.4 per cent, higher than the average value in Lithuania (4.09 cows in one dairy herd). Such size of herds in North Lithuania region demonstrates that the main milk suppliers are small holdings that cannot put in use the intensive dairy farming and mechanisation of various technological processes. The number of cattle and cows in North Lithuania region (the ex- Šiaulių county) tended to grow between January 1st and July 30 2012; however, the total number of cattle grew faster than the number of cows. During this period the number of cattle in the region rose from 92 109 to 96 436, or by 4.49 per cent, while the number of dairy cows rose from 45 437 to 45 599, or by 0.36 per cent. It is therefore essential to draw more attention to the formation of a breeding stock and to the increasing of the number of breeding heifers. The trend of increase in the number of dairy cows is extensive in its character and hinders the intensive growth of the number of dairy cow herds. One of the root causes of slowing down the growth of herds is the high birth rate of bulls. Although scientifically unfounded, it has been observed that in parallel to an increase in cow productivity the number of born bulls also increases in the herd; because of a protein deficit in the feed it becomes necessary to regulate the gender of the progeny. It can be countered by using sexed semen. The gender of the progeny is genetically determined at the moment of fertilisation. If an ovum is fertilised by a spermatozoon carrying a Y sex chromosome, a male progeny of XY karyotype is conceived but if it is fertilised by a sperm cell carrying an X sex chromosome, a female progeny of XX karyotype is conceived. If the male breeders’ sperm cells are separated into two fractions according to the sex chromosomes X and Y, it becomes possible to determine the gender of the progeny – heifers or bulls – even prior to insemination. If bulls are needed, the keeper buys semen with sperm cells carrying a Y chromosome. Likewise, when heifers are needed, semen with sperm cells carrying an X chromosome is purchased. It is the most optimal method of regulating the gender of the progeny, although such semen is more expensive. Having selected the best heifers for the renewal of the herd, it is possible to increase the herd in a quick and safe manner as there is no more need to raise
7 unwanted bulls and to introduce outside animals into the herd, which helps preventing disease transmission. Furthermore, it reduces the number of difficult calvings as heifers are of lower birth weight than bulls. In the districts of North Lithuania region there are mainly those herds (38.5 per cent) in which productivity of inspected cows reached on average 5 001-6 000 kilograms of milk over lactation time. The least represented (1.72 per cent) are the herds with a milk yield of 8 001 kilograms or more. There were also 3.12 per cent of herds in which productivity of inspected cows was 4 000 kilograms or less. Given the global trends of milk yield increase, it would be important to steer cattle breeding into this direction and to expand dairy cow herds. In order to achieve faster genetic progress in cattle, it would be rational to increase the small holding. Besides, it would be advisable to avoid sudden price shifts and unequal milk purchasing conditions, where smaller producers get a lower price. To meet their needs, Lithuanian milk processing companies have to cover the shortfall of raw milk by importing it from abroad. From January to July 2012, Lithuanian milk processing companies processed 947 330 tonnes of raw milk of natural fatness, or by 13.2 per cent more than in the corresponding period in 2011. However, in the above period purchase of raw milk of natural fatness from Lithuanian producers increased only by 6.7 per cent, or to 765 580 tonnes, of which 28 850 tonnes were sold to other EU countries, mostly to Poland (20.04 thousand tonnes) and Latvia (8.68 thousand tonnes). In order to compensate this shortfall, over the first seven months of this year 217 800 tonnes of raw milk of natural fatness were imported from EU countries, or by 37.5 per cent more than in the corresponding period of the previous year. Most (66.2 per cent) of the raw milk was imported from Latvia, while the rest was purchased from Estonia. It can be observed that such increase in imports of raw milk of natural fatness from other EU countries does not have a major impact on the price since the price of both the milk purchased in Lithuania and that imported from other EU countries has been falling in the above period: by 9.7 per cent (to 888.51 LTL/tonne excluding VAT) and 7 per cent (to 1 045.12 LTL/tonne excluding VAT) respectively. Besides, the selling price to EU countries has also dropped by 13.3 per cent (to 1 044.02 LTL/tonne excluding VAT). In Lithuania, mostly cattle of Lithuanian Black Pied and Lithuanian Brown breed are raised. For its improvement, cattle of related and non- related breeds are widely purchased from Western European countries and Sweden. Over the last decade the number of imported cows and
8 their offspring has increased significantly. In worse feeding and keeping conditions productivity of the imported cattle does not correspond to its genetic value. Foreign breeding heifers are expensive (4 500-5 000 LTL if purchased in Germany, 6 000 – 6 500 if purchased in Sweden). Therefore, it would be rational to obtain young breeding animals through an intensive use of the reproductive stock of foreign breeds raised in Lithuania. The herd size has an impact, although minor, on the quantity of production (Table 1.1.). In smaller herds more attention was paid to individual care of the cattle and to feeding and storage conditions, and there were efforts made to keep only animals of high breeding value in order to increase productivity. In the event of incompletely automated and mechanised farming, high labour input (related to feeding, waste disposal, milking), the highest milk yield is found in herds of 11-20 cows inspected: with a total milk yield of 7 229 kilograms, and 559 kilograms of the total weight of milk fat and protein. In parallel to increase in the herd size, there is a trend for milk yield to decrease. Relatively high milk yield (7 106 kilograms) was observed in herds with 151-200 dairy cows. It can be accounted for by automated and mechanised technological processes, as well as by targeted breeding, to which more attention is paid in larger holdings. When increasing the number of cows in a herd, it is important not only to take into account possibilities for automation of feeding and technological processes, but also foreseeable changes in the market outlets.
Table 1.1. Average productivity of different size cow herds in the municipalities of North Lithuania (Šiauliai region)
Average productivity Avg. no. of Milk Fat (F) Protein (P) F+P cows kg % kg % kg kg 6-10 6995 4.42 309 3.40 241 550 11-20 7229 4.38 316 3.36 243 559 21-30 6536 4.41 287 3.37 220 507 51-70 6706 4.50 302 3.33 223 525 71-100 6876 4.37 299 3.38 232 531 101-150 6447 4.17 270 3.36 217 487 151-200 7106 4.44 314 3.38 240 554
9 There were 11 260 cows of Black Pied breed in the inspected herds in North Lithuania region, the average milk yield of which was 6 276 kilograms of milk of 4.36 per cent fat and 3.37 per cent protein content. Their productivity is 161 kilograms and by 0.03 per cent less in terms of milk and fat content, respectively, as opposed to the average values of the cattle of the Black Pied breed in Lithuania; however, the protein content is by 0.04 per cent higher. The population of Brown and Red Pied breed cattle has traditionally dominated in North Lithuania region: there were 14 414 cows, or 40.38 per cent of the total number of cows of these breeds in Lithuania. Their average productivity in herds was 5 995 kilograms of milk over lactation time, of 4.45 per cent fat and 3.43 per cent protein content. The milk fat content corresponds to the country average for the Lithuanian Brown and Red Pied breeds but the milk protein content was lower by 0.03 per cent. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to improve the milk protein content in these populations, maintaining the trend of milk yield and fat content increase, by combining it with selection of bull breeders In order to assure the maximal amount of production, it is important to improve the nutritional value of feedstuff keeping in mind the general health condition and reproductive characteristics. Even by using various feedstuffs, it is not always possible to get the desired results because often animals of high productivity do not absorb nutrients sufficiently. It is even worse when it is sought to compensate the deficient amount of nutrient by chemical formulations not for the sake of the animal’s health but for a larger milk yield. Such short-term productivity augmentation exhausts the animal’s organism and results in further weakening of the organisms and irreversible reproductive disturbances. The average milk yield of the improved local cow varieties (of Šėmųjų, Baltnugarių, old genotype Lithuanian Black Pied and Lithuanian Brown breed) was 294 and 13 kilograms less compared to the Black Pied and to the Brown and Red Pied breed cows kept in the region, respectively. However, the improved local cow varieties are superior to other breeds in both milk fat content (4.62 per cent) and milk protein content (3.45 per cent). This demonstrates that expansion of populations of the improved local cattle breeds should be promoted in view of their better adaptation to the local climate conditions and for the preservation of their genetic pool. With regard to the total yield of milk fat and protein in the region, most of it is produced in Pakruojo district (515 kilograms), which exceed the regional average by 25 kilograms, while the least was produced in Kelmės
10 district (454 kilograms). Compared to the productivity of farmers’ cow herds nationwide in terms of milk yield, milk fat and protein, the regional average values are, respectively, 42, 9 and 6 kilograms higher. This demonstrates that satisfying and targeted milk productivity controls and breeding work have been carried out. Heifers are quite unevenly distributed in the region (Table 1.2.). In the whole region there were 4 907 heifers in the inspected herds. The smallest number was recorded in Akmenės district (312), the milk yield of which over the first lactation was 6 532 kilograms of milk of 4.42 per cent fat content and 3.33 per cent protein content per cow. The largest number of heifers introduced into herds was recorded in Pakruojo district (1 272), the milk yield of which was 6 058 kilograms of milk of 4.39 per cent fat content and 3.45 per cent protein content per cow. The heifers’ average milk, fat and protein yield was respectively 424, 23 and 20 kilograms less compared to the productivity of the total inspected cows in the region. It could be accounted for by the fact that cows of high productivity compensate their body reserves, used for gestation, significantly slower.
Table 1.2. Average milk productivity of primiparous cows in different municipalities of North Lithuania
Average milk productivity of first - calving Municipality No. of Fat Protein Milk, kg cows % kg % kg Akmenė district 312 6532 4.42 288 3.33 218 Joniškis district 458 5623 4.53 254 3.36 188 Kelmė district 546 5310 4.30 228 3.22 171 Pakruojis district 1272 6058 4.39 264 3.45 209 Radviliškis district 1193 5760 4.18 239 3.34 193 Šiauliai district 1074 5734 4.38 251 3.29 188 Šiauliai town 52 5665 4.24 242 3.24 184 Total in the region 4907 5812 4.35 254 3.32 193
Cow productivity and reproductive characteristics (of dairy breeds in particular) are closely linked to their nutritional status before and after calving. A temporary fat cover increase during gestation is determined by
11 physiological mechanisms related to lactation and gestation. Cows of high productivity have to use their energy resources for milk production under the conditions of maximum milking. This is why during the second half of lactation cows should be fed in a manner that they could accumulate enough energy for next lactation but would not turn dry. When these animals have accumulated a larger fat cover (when they have fattened), heat is less intense and pregnancy rate is lower. In order to boost productivity of pregnant cows, greater portions of feedstuff and various concentrates are required. If the milk yield does not increase over a period of 9-12 days, administration of concentrates should be stopped and normal feeding pattern should be re-established. The fertility rate of cows whose weight grows after calving is superior to that of cows whose weight drops. Even if a cow has accumulated a sufficient amount of energy and has regained its regular weight, it is not rational to shorten the service period. During the above period physiological recovery of the animal takes place (the immune system, the secreting epithelium of the mammary gland etc.). The character of lactation curve depends on feeding and keeping conditions, and on the individual and breed characteristics of the cow. The productivity of heifers is low because of insufficient supply of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins A, E, D, macroelements (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium), and microelements (iodine, cuprum, manganese, zinc, cobalt). Inadequate feeding results not only in lower milk yield but also in degenerative and functional changes leading to infertility. A normal, healthy and adequately-fed cow must calve once a year and afterwards become pregnant again in a period less than 3 months. It is possible, but not recommended, to inseminate or to serve naturally beef cows in first heat, although more calves can be then obtained per cow’s lifetime. In the above period less productive cows can also be inseminated, particularly those, who often are dry for a long time. It is best to inseminate cows of high productivity not earlier than 3 months after calving because, if inseminated immediately after calving, such cows are hard to dry-off. Inadequate feeding can delay sexual development of the progeny, result in a low fertility rate of both cows and heifers, or cause an abortion. A negative energy balance in a period of two months following calving causes ovary dysfunction with consequent atrophic changes in the uterus. It is particularly often observed in high-productivity herds. Excessive energy intake through feeding can occur if it is sought to achieve maximum milk yield ignoring the genetic capacity of the animal. This can cause decreased
12 function of the endocrine system. In case of long excessive feeding, fat tissue forms in the uterus and the ovaries and steroid hormone balance is altered. Beef cattle are most represented in European countries with a short and moderate winter. Given an increasing demand for beef and milk and dairy produce quotas, beef cattle sector is also being developed in countries where dairy cattle sector used to dominate. Cross-breeding of dairy cows and beef bulls becomes more broadly adopted. Specialised beef-cattle farms are being developed in Lithuania, most income of which is going to be based on sale of beef cattle or crossbred beef and dairy cattle. Currently, nine pure-bred beef breeds are reared in Lithuania: Charolais, Limousine, Aubrac, Simmental, Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn and Galloway. In Lithuania, beef cattle farming can be both developed as a sector in itself and as an additional field besides crop, fruit, and vegetable farming, or as a form of leisure activities (spending time with animals and a source of minor additional income). In our country no precise calculations have been performed to establish what would be the minimal number of beef cows for a family to rear in order to have a normal standard of living just by selling the cattle at one price or another. According to German farmers, a family of an average or small size should keep at least 60 beef cattle to have a basic standard of living, while bigger families, or for a higher standard of living, around 100 beef cattle should be reared. Small herds of beef cattle can be kept in farms involved in other fields of agriculture, small business, rural tourism, or having a different source of income. As reported by the state company “Žemės ūkio informacijos ir kaimo verslo centras”, at present in Lithuanian farms there are 16 353 purebred beef cattle un 93387 cross-bred cattle (dairy-beef beefs), of which – 14 837 Brown × beef breed and 78 550 Black Pied × beef breed. Around 10 thousand beef or cross-bred bulls are sold to domestic abattoirs for meat production, which is later exported to EU or third countries. One of the largest abattoirs is ŽŪK “Lietuviška mesa” located in Baisogala in Radviliškio district. This co-operative can purchase and slaughter up to 1 500 cattle per month. The cattle can be bought depending on the seller‘s preferences: by the live weight of the animal, by the carcass weight, or according to its quality. The option of selling animals not by the live weight but according to the carcass weight and quality motivates breeders of high-quality cattle because the selling price is higher and the final income is greater. ŽŪK “Lietuviška mesa” unites several breeders of beef cattle who have supplied high-quality beef for years. Currently there are around 500 beef bulls being
13 fattened in the farms of the cooperative. In order to obtain good-quality meat, most often semen from bulls of Limousin, Simmental, Charolais and Salers × Aberdin Angus breed is used for insemination of dairy cows. The latter stands out by the fact that cattle of this breed are polled, and can be thus kept in groups and fattened without the use of concentrates. Calves are of low birth weight, heifers can be therefore inseminated with semen from bulls of this breed. It is observed that because of their physiological characteristics the whole resources of beef cattle body are mobilised for accumulation of body mass; it is the reason why their reproductive capacity is reduced. There is an A group breeding farm for beef breeds located in Šiaulių district, where Aberdin angus cattle is bred, and two B-group breeding farms: one in Kelmės district where the Limousin breed is bred, and one in Pakruojo district where the Simmental breed is bred. Beef cattle farming should be expanded in the region. In order to orientate the cattle breeding towards improvement in terms of biological and economic characteristics, as well as of the formation of complete feeding and keeping conditions, it is necessary: • to promote intensification of milk production in smaller holdings, by increasing not so much the herd size but rather the productivity of cows; • to use only breeding bulls the offspring of which have been tested for milk yield and milk fat and protein quantity; • to carry on the selection of young breeding animals for the improvement of the herd according to productivity in females; • to renew and expand the breeding stock by importing cows and heifers of the most productive breeds. For their insemination, to use the breeders who improve both the milk yield and the structure of milk; • to increase the birth rate of heifers through the of insemination with sexed sperm; • to increase both the number of purebred and cross-bred beef cattle in various districts since ŽŪK “Lietuviška mesa”, which is located in the region, guarantees buying it at a price in accordance to the carcass weight and quality. Control over the selection work described above should be carried out by district experts on animal productivity and regional breeding inspectors. Without the help of these experts, it would be difficult to develop animal breeding in country, to preserve the genetic pool, to increase the animal productivity, to reduce productivity differences between EU countries and Lithuania, and to achieve equal partnership with other EU countries. At
14 present, animal productivity control is not mandatory but it is supported by the state. The state should continue subsidising milk tests of the inspected cows, data processing and other activities carried out by UAB „Gyvulių produktyvumo kontrolė” (taking milk samples, keeping primary breeding records etc.). Quite a number of facts have been collected over the last years showing that orientation of breeding only towards the improvement of productivity characteristics affects the health of the animals: there are more cases of mastitis and limping, reproductive characteristics deteriorate. The deteriorated reproduction increases costs significantly because new heifers and bulls are needed for the renewal of the herd, and there are more cows with defects such as infertility or diseases of the reproductive organs. Farms in North Lithuania and South Latvia (in Ziemgale region) will have possibilities to sell milk at a higher price, separate diseased cows, identify and treat subclinical and clinical forms of mastitis, to plan preventive measures against mastitis, to shorten the service period (from calving to conception) – to shorten the non-productive period, while still getting more calves. With a view of selecting animals of high breeding value, they will have possibilities to evaluate the health status and reproductive disorders of various cattle breeds, as well as to identify the most frequent reasons for defects in the herd. Systematic control of animal productivity allows for the improvement of cattle herds because it provides enough data for the advancement of breeding and genetic potential. The main task of breeding farms is to improve and reproduce breeding cattle, while that of industrial farms of all categories is to use efficiently young breeding animals, both from breeding farms and the imported, for raising the herd productivity and improving their reproductive characteristics. Implementation of measures and proposals for the development of cattle farming is planned through dissemination of results, seminars, trainings and consultations, as well as through the creation of cooperation network not only in North Lithuania but also in Ziemgale region.
1.2. Recommendations for pig farming (R. Klimas, A. Klimienė)
Although pig farming is the second most important field (after cattle farming) of animal farming in Lithuania, domestic supply of pork makes up only 50-60 per cent of the demand, with the rest 40-50 per cent being imported. Lithuania is a pork-eating country, so the meat with the highest
15 consumption is pork. Last year the average Lithuanian ate 42 kilograms of pork (it corresponds to the EU average). It means that production is inadequate to meet the demand. It is therefore natural that balance of trade in pork is negative: imports are significantly higher than exports. Most of it is imported from Germany and Poland. Almost exclusively live pigs are exported (very little pork is exported). Virtually all the live pigs are exported to Russia, with a minor number exported to Latvia and Estonia. In order to satisfy the domestic demand fully, a two-fold increase in pig production would be needed (1.5 - 2.0 million). In view of the present situation, such number cannot be achieved. According to scientific forecast by the Institute of Agricultural Economics (Lietuvos agrarinės ekonomikos institutas), domestic supply of pork will reach 74 per cent in 2020. For expansion of this sector real direct or investment support should be granted by the state or the EU. Otherwise, the national pork sector, in small and average farms in particular, may eventually become uncompetitive. The support is need for the implementation of rather complicated animal welfare, environmental, sanitary and other requirement provided by the EU. In North Lithuanian, pork production should be particularly promoted in Šiaulių district. As of the 1st July 2012, 65 in the above district there were 65 pigs kept only in small or family holdings, or 0.1 per cent of the total number of pigs in the region. In the region, the largest number of pigs was recorded in Radviliškio and Akmenės districts (27.0 and 21.8 per cent respectively). The development of pork sector depends on the purchase price of pigs, exports of pigs, the population‘s buying power, and introduction of advanced technologies and innovations into this sector. As in Lithuania there are no payments made to the pork sector, economic results depend directly on the grain price and on the purchase price of pigs. In fact, feedstuffs make up 70-80 per cent of the cost of pig production. The situation of pig farmers is worsened by an increase in feedstuff costs caused by rising grain prices (it reduces the profitability of the sector). In North Lithuania, as is the case in the country as a whole, an adequate amount of grain is produced for the needs of feedstuff production. However, the grain price is dictated by the global market. For feeding of pigs approximately 15 per cent of the domestically produced grains are used. In North Lithuania, almost 83.5 per cent of the total number are made up by farms in which 1-9 pigs are kept. Small farmers raising 10-49 pigs constitute around 10.2 per cent (Table 1.3.).
16 Table 1.3. Farms grouping by number of pigs kept in North Lithuania (Šiauliai region) by July 1, 2012 Groups of pigs by Farms Total number of pigs animal number No. % in these farms 1-2 112 37.0 193 3-9 141 46.5 618 10-49 31 10.2 492 50-199 1 0.3 120 200-399 3 1.0 978 400-999 2 0.7 1605 1000-1999 3 1.0 3980 2000-4999 1 0.3 2750 5000 and more 9 3.0 140152 Total 303 100.0 150888
Quite a large part of family holdings and small farmers raise pigs partially ecologically by using only feedstuffs of their own production (barley, peas, beans, potatoes, food wastes etc.). These are holdings of extensive practice which fatten pigs to a greater weight: 110-130 kilograms on the average. Most of such producers have constant buyers who pay for extensively-raised pigs 1.5-2 times more than slaughterhouses and meat processing companies. However, in large compounds and in some industrial and breeding farms, where the largest groups of pigs (in herds of 5 000 or more) are concentrated, raise pigs (except young breeding animals) intensively: over a period of 5-7 months pigs are fattened to a live weight of approximately 100 kilograms and sold on the domestic or foreign markets. In order to rear highly demanded pigs with high lean meat content over a short period of time, complete feedstuffs high in protein are required. The majority of average and large-size producers have equipment for preparation of feedstuffs; as a consequence they make flour out of their own or purchased grains and enrich it with protein, vitamin and mineral supplements. Part of the combined feedstuffs is purchased (and not produced by themselves). Holdings of intensive pig farming buy imported protein supplements for the production of feedstuff: soya extracts, fishmeal, etc. Although the use of the supplements has made the on-the-spot production of feedstuffs more expensive, its price is still lower than that of ready-made combined
17 feedstuffs. More expensive feedstuffs of high protein content and quality will pay off only in case of intensive turnover of produce pigs. Due the rising grain price and growing demand for high-quality pork, an increase in the purchase price of live pigs can be expected on the global market. However, on the local market Lithuanian pig producers are quite often faced with difficult conditions dictated by local slaughterhouses and meat processing companies. They import pig carcasses (mostly from Germany and Poland), often of lower quality, and offal and seek thus to bring down the purchase price of locally produced pigs. Dealers became particularly brazen when diseases broke out in farms, because of which exports of these animals stopped. In 2011, the outbreak of classical swine fever in Jonavos district struck the whole pig production sector in Lithuania. In the middle of that year there was a ban on imports and exports of pigs, and approximately 40 thousand of these animals were slaughtered. When exports of live pigs to Russia (the main foreign market) stopped, purchase price of pigs dropped in the country. It is because of the rising grain price and the outbreak of classical swine fever that on 1st of January 2012 the number of pigs in Lithuania was by 15 per cent lower than in the beginning of 2011. The trend of decreasing number of pigs affected all holdings of average and large size nationwide. Therefore, more responsible attitude of dealers and processors towards local pork of high quality would also stimulate the development of pig production in the country. In the sector of live pig exportation good trading relationship should be maintained with Russia, which became member of the World Trade Organisation in the end of 2011. Consumption of pork increases in line with the economic growth of the country, which in its turn increases the population‘s buying power. Although the total population in the region is decreasing, analysis shows that varied population density in different districts of the region has no impact on this field of farming. As opposed to plant production farms, pig producers do not receive direct payments and compensations for fuel excise tax. Unfavourable is the fact that Poland applies a preferential VAT regime for animal farming production: 3 per cent on the raw products and 7 per cent on processed meat products, it makes competition with this country’s production particularly complicated. Positive attitude of the Lithuanian government on these issues would, no doubt, stimulate the interest of the rural population to develop pig farming. Moreover, increase in pork production is hindered not only
18 by strict animal welfare and environmental requirements, but also by the public pressure. As of the 1st July of 2012, in the region there were 288 farmers and family holdings, as well as 15 agricultural holdings and companies producing pigs. The average distribution of pigs in the above holdings in all 6 districts was 5.1 and 94.9 per cent respectively (Table 1.4.). 73.6 per cent of the total pigs in the regions are kept in five large compounds with more than 14 000 animals): UAB “Saerimner” in Akmenės district, UAB “Kepalių bekonas” in Joniškio district, UAB “Saerimner” in Kelmės district, UAB “Saerimner” in Pakruojo district, and UAB “Litpirma” in Radviliškio district. All of them are related to Danish companies.
Table 1.4. Distribution of pigs in the farms of North Lithuania (Šiauliai region) by July 1, 2012 No. of pig breeders Distribution of pigs Municip. Farmers Agric. No. of In farmers and In agricultural name and companies pigs family farms companies and family and enterprises farms enterpr. No. % No. % Akmenė 54 1 32993 760 2.3 32233 97.7 Joniškis 68 3 23065 1185 5.1 21880 94.9 Kelmė 57 3 28687 136 0.5 28551 99.5 Pakruojis 32 1 25332 124 0.5 25208 99.5 Radviliškis 54 7 40746 5416 13.3 35330 86.7 Šiauliai 23 0 65 65 100.0 0 0.0 Total 288 15 150888 7686 5.1 143202 94.9
An irrational structure of pig farming has thus formed in North Lithuanian districts (Table 1.3. and 1.4.): small holdings dominate, pig production is concentrated in 5 large compounds, and there are practically no holdings of stable size (2 000 to 5 000 pigs). In order to avoid monopolisation, it is necessary to promote further creation of stable holdings of the above size. According to calculations by the Lithuanian Institute of Agricultural Economy, in case of the creation of pig farms of a rational size (2 to 5 thousand pigs), investments per animal place would be from 1 000 to 2 000 LTL (depending on the level of modernisation and the
19 total number of pigs kept). Of the 303 pig farms in the region, 98.7 per cent are industrialised farms and 1.3 per cent is breeding farms. The large pig farms are better modernised: pens have been renovated, new waste storage facilities have been constructed, etc. In case of economic problems, the compounds are able to solve them on their own, while the smaller holdings are not able to do so because of their limited capacity. Deployment of advanced technologies for small-scale farming is not profitable, so the number of these holdings is expected to decrease. Of the 150 888 pigs in the six districts of the ex-Šiaulių region, in the herd structure breeding boars make up 0.1 per cent, sows – 8.5 per cent, piglets under the age of 3 months (below 30 kilograms) – 41.6 per cent, young animals for breeding or fattening of the age of 3-8 months (31-110 kilograms) – 47.4 per cents, and adult pigs being fattened above the age of 8 months (above 110 kilograms) – 2.4 per cent. In different districts this proportion varied significantly. Herd structure depends on the pig farm specialisation: if pigs are produced only for other farms, if breeding animals are produced, if only pigs being fattened are kept, or if full-cycle economy is applied. A large part of family holdings and small farmers, rearing up to 10 pigs, do not keep sows and boars. They purchase piglets, fatten them and use them for their own consumption or sell them. In order to stay competitive on the pork market, it is important to apply rational use of breeds for cross-breeding (hybridisation) in industrial farms of all categories. The aim of such breeding is to obtain offspring characterised by heterosis effect: improved vitality, greater productivity, etc., compared to their purebred parents. Therefore, the hybridisation efficiency, in addition to feeding and keeping conditions, is highly dependent on the selected combination of breeds of pigs. Maternal breed must have good reproductive but paternal – good fattening and meat qualities. The pig breeds kept in Lithuania and the existing breeding system provide favourable conditions for industrial cross-breeding (hybridisation). According to research data and traditional cross-breeding schemes, the recommended combinations of breeds are presented in Table 1.5.
20 Table 1.5. Recommended commercial crossbreeding (hybridization) combinations
Crossbreds Breed combinations (hybrids) Gilts, sows Boars Lithuanian White, Large White, Landrace Yorkshire Two-way Lithuanian White, Large White, Duroc, Pietrain breeds Yorkshire Landrace Duroc, Pietrain Lithuanian White and Landrace, Large White and Landrace, Yorkshire and Duroc, Pietrain Landrace crossbreds (F1) Three-way Lithuanian White, Large White, Landrace and Duroc, breeds Yorkshire crossbreds (F1) Landrace Pietrain and Duroc crossbreds (F1)
It should be noted that the Duroc and the Pietrain breeds should be used in all combinations of cross-breeding as the last, and the produced cross-bred offspring (hybrids) should be sold for meat production. It is not advisable to keep for breeding purposes cross-bred gilts produced from Duroc or Pietrain males. Since the cross-bred animals are more demanding as to keeping conditions, pig producers should chose cross- breeding combinations according to their actual situation. The higher the lean meat content percentage, the more balanced (varied) feedstuff and the drier and warmer keeping conditions should be provided to these pigs. Those pig producers who intend to use Pietrain boars in crossbreeding should assess their conditions particularly well. The above breed is more vulnerable to stress; the stress worsens the physical characteristics of meat of the crossbreds: it becomes lighter and watery, less suitable for smoked products. When it comes to meat quality, it is possible that in future Pietrain breeds will not be used for cross-breeding anymore. In such developed countries as Denmark, Sweden, Norway and others the Pietrien breed is already not used. The Landrace, the Duroc and (F1) Landrace x Duroc hybrids become the most perspective as male breed in crossbreeding. It is also confirmed by our earlier studies. The Duroc are characterised not only by good fattening and meat quality parameters but also by a larger amount of intramuscular
21 fat, which improves the technological and taste qualities of meat of the crossbreeds (hybrids). Compounds (not having their own breeding farms), industrial farms and farmers should not only use male-breed boars but also keep female- breed gilts of high breeding quality. This is why all-category industrial farms producing crossbreeds for meat should absolutely obtain gilts from breeding farms and not from their own groups of fattened pigs if they want to get good results. However, since the state payments for purchase of young breeding animals were cut, the situation in many industrial farms is becoming complicated. In the farms that do not renew their reproductive herds with young breeding animals from breeding farms or abroad a lower fertility rate in sows, higher rates of feedstuff use per kilogram of body weight gain, and so on, are observed. As a result, pork production cost increases in such industrial farms. Moreover, breeding farms also incur losses because they have to sell the young breeding animals for less the price (set for meat) or to reduce the amount of breeding pigs raised. The best solution would be if large industrial farms contracted breeding farms for the purchase of young breeding animals. In such case the breeding farms would know how many and of which breed young breeding animals should be bred. We believe that such agreement would be easy to reach since both the breeding farms and the largest industrial farms (compounds in particular) are members of the Lithuanian Pig Producers Association, and these experts meet on a regular basis. Unfortunately, all the five large compounds do not buy breeding boars and gilts from local Lithuanian breeding farms as they get them from Denmark. Such situation is a major obstacle to the development of breeding farms in the country. Holdings which do not keep breeding boars have to use insemination services by buying the necessary semen from semen collection centres. North Lithuania region plays an important role in the system of pig farming. AB “Lietuvos veislininkystė” is situated there, under the authority of which a department of pig farming is placed since August 2012 (in Radviliškio district, the ex-State Pig Farming Station (Valstybinė kiaulių veislininkystės stotis)). The re-organised station (branch) carries on co- ordinating the process of pig breeding nationwide, only there exist pens for control fattening. Experts of this station control productivity of breeding pigs kept in breeding farms, assess boars and sows in terms of fattening of the offspring and meat quality using the method of controlled fattening, selects young breeding animals basing on the lean meat content established
22 by ultrasound device Piglog 105, assess the breed value of pigs according to BLUP method. The station (branch) has an information system for animal farming records in which data on the productivity of breeding pigs in the country are collected and kept. This data is also necessary for keeping the herd books of breeding pigs. All the above functions of this sector should be fully or partially funded by the state budget. At the reorganised station also a porcine semen collection centre should be created. In the region there are 4 breeding farms for pigs, of which 3 are in Radviliškio district and 1 is in Kelmės district. The breeding farm of the Institute of Animal Science of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto Gyvulininkystės institutas) (in Radviliškio district) keeps breeding pigs of gene-pool: the Lithuanian Local and the Lithuanian White of the old genotype. The purpose of this breeding farm is to protect the above breeds of pigs from extinction. From the commercial (market) point of view, 3 breeding farms are more attractive: they keep pigs of cultivated breeds. Two of the above breeding farms stand out. The breeding farm ŽŪB “Gražionių bekonas” in Radviliškio district is the largest breeding farm for pigs of the Landrace breed, and UAB “Berka” in Kelmės district is the breeding farm in the country for the improved Lithuanian white breed pigs (the active population). Both breeding farms are of superior (A) group. They apply methods of pig selection efficiently. In terms of meat characteristics, the improved Lithuanian white of the active population, having 50-75 per cent of blood of the English Large White, are similar to the Yorkshire and the Large White bred in Lithuania. Strict of application of the breeding scheme designed by UAB “Berka” and maintaining the lean meat content of the improved Lithuanian white at a level not lower than 55-56 per cent will allow to stop the decline in number of animals of the above breed caused so far by competition of imported pig breed. Breeding gilts of this type will become in demand for crossbreeding purposes by industrial farms of small and average size. It is essential to maintain a stable genealogical structure of line 4 by swiftly restoring Marshal 1 line. It must be noted that raising pigs of exclusive genotype just in one breeding farm is very risky with regard to potential diseases. Therefore, AB “Lietuvos veislininkystė” has to make every effort that the Lithuanian white of the active population are additionally bred at least in two other breeding farms. The third breeding farm for cultivated pig breeds is ŽŪK “Dobilas” in Radviliškio district. It is a small B-group breeding farm for pigs of
23 Yorkshire breed keeping 22 inspected sows. In order not to lose the status of breeding farm, this holding should improve the pure-bred Yorkshire pigs and develop the genealogical structure of the sow families kept. In order to orientate the pig breeding towards improvement in terms of biological and economic characteristics, as well as of the formation of complete feeding and keeping conditions, it is necessary: • to carry on the selection of sows according to fertility (the number of live-born piglets) and milk yield (weight of piglets at the age of 21 day, in kilograms); • to use only boars and sows evaluated positively by the fattening and slaughter method (according to offspring quality); • to carry on the selection of young breeding animals (of 85-110 kilograms of live weight) according to lean meat content measured by Piglog 105 or ultrasound devices; • to update and spread the selection of pure-bred boars and sows according to meat quality. Control over the selection work described above should be carried out by control assistants from the Pig farming department (a unit of AB “Lietuvos veislininkystė”). In order to select animals of high breeding value, farms in North Lithuania and Southern Latvia (in Ziemgale region) will have possibilities to evaluate the genetic diversity of different pig breeds by DNA method and their health condition (in terms of hereditary leg weakness, or osteochondrosis), and to run haematological and biochemical blood tests in pigs. The modern genetic and breed-value tests will be made at the Biological Research Centre of Šiaulių University. The principal task of the breeding farms is thus to improve and reproduce pure-bred pigs, while all-category industrial farms should use rationally the young breeding animals from the above breeding farms for crossbreeding purposes. However, this principle does not function efficiently throughout the country. Therefore, through seminars, training and consultations it will be sought to root this system at least in Northern Lithuania region.
1.3. Recommendations for horse farming (V. Macijauskienė)
Lithuania has a very long and deep tradition of horse breeding. Although in recent decades meat and milk production have become the main branches of animal farming, the trends of contemporary global society and 24 development promotes the opposite direction: promotion of eco-friendly approach sparing the unique Lithuanian landscape and use of its assets. The part of the society that supports the development of horse breeding in Lithuania associates their activities with maintenance of the physical and emotional health of a human being, reduction social problems, inclusion child and youth, creation of an attractive image of Lithuania, as well as develops products for domestic and foreign market. Recently more and more various horse-related events become popular; horses are used for rural tourism, children’s entertainment, horse police, and riding therapy. Technical progress has led to the emergence of human entertainment, one of the forms of which is horseback riding. There are more and more stallions and mares of high value needed. From the current situation in horse breeding it is possible to discern the industry tendencies and topical issues. The over-all situation in the country will influence the engagement of the people of the North region of Lithuania in horse breeding. During the recent years, there have been attempts to actively seize the sector into a monopoly by a single group of breeders that had nothing to do with horses so far. There have been constant attempts to tell the general public that a guarantee for the development of horse breeding industry is the totalizer. The reality shows the opposite: there is a renovated modern racetrack in Utena, in eastern Lithuania, but the number of individual breeders of Trotter began to decline. Previously, they could freely exercise their horses, now they are unable to do that even for money. Even if somebody is ready for the race, then by manipulating ever changing rules, distances and ratings, in reality one is unable to participate. The impoverished competing breeders’ associations have nothing to offer to breeders. Their running tracks and the prizes do not match the rules and foundations of horse breeding foundations and businesses that operate under the cover of horse breeding. Lithuanian riders, caretakers and coaches are moving to Europe. But the people, who will have to run the betting, are welcomed from the East. The input from the betting into the state budget and horse breeding industry is not predicted even by its schemers. In Northern Lithuania horses are used for work, breeding, horseback riding competitions, leisure-time activities for children and adults, and therapy. Some horses are sold for breeding or sport purposes abroad; some are used in tourism or for educational purposes, while few draught horses are sold for meat production. In this region there are very few racing and harness horses. There is no racecourse and proper racing tracks. There are a few well-equipped private equestrian sports facilities. There are providers
25 of leisure and tourism services, including for children and even disabled. However, each district of Northern Lithuania region should be analysed separately. In Kelmės district, during the soviet period the target breed was the Lithuanian Heavy Draught. Need and expertise in breeding horses of this breed, and crossbreeds, remain strong also nowadays. Keepers of 1-2 horses dominate though. Farmers of younger generations and land owners are becoming interested in Žemaitukai or other breeds of a lighter type. They start using them for tourism and leisure-time activities for children. In the district there are no strong breeding farms or equestrian sports centres that could change the situation. Given the lack of enthusiasm of the general public, the municipality should get involved more actively. It would be possible to set up a small centre of young naturalists in Kelme suburbs, which would provide training and leisure-time services for the city’s youth. Kelmės district has a good soil for feedingstuff production, so it would be suitable for breeding of pure-bred horses. Akmenė district fully exploits its landscape and leisure industry resources for the development of tourism. This trend should be maintained in future. In Radviliškio district there are active breeders of pure-breed and sports horses; in Raudondvaris there are an operating riding hall, a school for horse-breeders since this year, and a scientific institute in Baisogala. The authorities should pay the necessary attention to this district and help develop a unified education, training and services network. Professionals of education and training institutions must be able to remain independent and to actively participate in the development of horse breeding programs. For example, to be able to look at a problem and solve it purely from the point view of horse well-fare. Specialist education and their contribution should outweigh the ideas of monopolistic management, since only honourable and healthy competition can promote development in general, the improvement of the sector, the preservation of breeds and their broader use for people’s needs, solve social problems, raise the level of horse breeding and form conditions necessary for a new and strong generation of horse breeders. In the city of Šiauliai there is a university preparing specialists in applied biology. There is a centre of naturalists and quite a lot of enthusiasts of horse breeding. In Šiaulių district there are a few strong breeding farms with a good infrastructure. Horse breeding in Šiaulių district and city could develop along the lines of use of pure-breeding, sports and recreation in
26 the field of horse breeding by involving more children, youth, disabled, scientists and therapists. Joniškio district has the infrastructure of the remaining, but already privatised, horse farm of Žagarė, a few strong breeding farms and private sports facilities. Farms are larger in this district, and draught horses and saddle-horses are bred here. Some of the above facilities provide services, prepare horses for sports purposes and trade with foreign countries. Expansion of pure breeding and equine sports and recreational facilities through the involvement of local companies, by thus increasing employment and income level in this field, would be the optimal line of horse breeding development in Joniškio district. A general recommendation for Northern Lithuanian horse breeders, their associations, enthusiasts, municipalities and educational and scientific institutions heads would be the following: a unified effort must be achieved in order to create favourable conditions (through legislation, tax incentives) supporting children‘s and youth equestrian clubs, therapeutic centres, various equestrian competitions, their prize money, selection of local varieties, their presentation at international exhibitions, and training of the necessary specialists. It is necessary to encourage horse breeders by applying equal, non-discriminatory conditions of competition and rules governing fair competition. At present in Northern Lithuanian the most popular breeds are the Lithuanian Heavy Draught horses, the Lithuanian saddle-horses, the Baltic Hanoverians, the Hanoverians, the Žemaitukai and the Trakehner. A description of perspectives of these breeds is given below. Žemaitukai is the oldest Lithuanian breed, several times almost gone extinct and now protected internationally. The breeders who participate in the programme for the preservation of endangered breeds receive an annual support of 198 euros per horse from the EU. The state support for the above programme, the EU support and a coordinated work by the Žemaitukai Breeders Association (Žemaitukų arklių augintojų asociacija) has led to the recovery of this breed: from 42 before to 554 horses this year. The feasibility study found that 106 of 554 horses are bred, in fact, by breeders in northern Lithuania. Here can be found strong herds of breeding Žemaitukai: in Baisogala (in Radviliškio district) and in Naisiai (in Šiaulių district). Since the Žemaitukai are universal, they are suitable for work, sports and harness; their height and character are suitable children and disabled, as well as for adults. There is a tendency for this breed to increase in number in Northern Lithuania. They are widely purchased by
27 rural-tourism sites and family farms, particularly the organic ones; horse- back riding and tourism facilities are also beginning to take interest in these horses. If breeding work is going to be carried out in breeding farms, horses of this breed can spread and be used for riding, attaching to carriages, various performances, competitions, riding exercises, children and youth education, sports, education, therapeutic purposes, as well as become in demand on the foreign markets. A wider use of Žemaitukai breed in breeding farms and others Northern Lithuanian sites would directly contribute to the preservation and promotion of this breed. Children and youth education with the help of Žemaitukai is possible not only in riding clubs, tourism facilities, centres of naturalists, but also in farms keeping these horses. Such practice has been put in use by the horse farm in Naisiai starting from this year. Being in contact with Žemaitukai, the new generation gets familiar directly with this breed, biodiversity, the history of their country, relevance of the horses to humans, as well as at the same time they have pass leisure time actively and purposefully, learn more about horse care, breeding and behaviour, etc. With the help of Žemaitukai patriotism is promoted within the society. In tourism sector Žemaitukai can be used in a number of ways. Tourism sites can be visited on the back of a horse or seen from a horse-drawn carriage. For the people who prefer active leisure and longer and more complex route trips Žemaitukai are the most suitable for their endurance, agility, and strong legs. Žemaitukas is also an excellent decorative element in a tourism site and a great accent for gatherings and festivities of all sorts. Therapeutic activities with Žemaitukai are necessary for children from foster homes (it practised in Kuršėnų foster home in Šiaulių district), disabled, difficult children and youth, and people with psychological and physical problems. The administration of Kurtuvėnų regional park (in Šiaulių district) co-operates with the Disabled Riders Association which studies the effect of horse-back riding on patients with cerebral palsy in colaboration with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Culture (Lietuvos kūno kultūros akademija). In Kurtuvėnai, there are already conditions created so that the disabled can settle and travel, there are special routes successfully tested by disabled children on the back of horses during a summer camp. In view of their universal characteristics, Žemaitukai can be used in various equestrian sports. They are suitable for children, youth and adults of medium build. They are suitable for competitions, endurance riding, racing, triathlon, carriages, and artistic riding. Properly prepared Žemaitukai
28 can be used for Paralympic riding and orienteering competitions. Sports and leisure with Žemaitukai ensures not only a pleasant relationship with animals, being in fresh air, but also unites families. These horses are significant because of their connection with the history of Lithuania. Žemaitukai allow for an interesting and comprehensive education. Equestrian sports and games are popular in European countries. So, foreign tourists are often interested in horses bred in Lithuania, especially in the local varieties. They want to get acquainted with the Žemaitukai breed, to visit performances, exhibitions, checks, competitions, while those learning to ride may want to try them or even take part in the event. Žemaitukai is a great tool for familiarizing guests with our country. Therefore, northern Lithuanian horse breeders, horse riding and tourist facilities, centres of naturalists, leisure-time centres for children and youth, and therapeutic centres should take that into account and use it in developing their business plans. Those who consider developing hippotherapy should know that it is more efficient when combined with other methods: physiotherapy, music and colour therapy, aromatherapy, and zootherapy. For riding therapy it is wise to use Lithuanian breeds that are both in terms of phenotype and their psychology best adapted to such task. Žemaitukai are particularly receptive and sensitive to people’s emotions. Although it is important to prepare horses for therapeutic activities, but the effect is likely to be influenced by various factors: as opposed to different varieties of saddle horses Žemaitukai are not afraid of customers of large height, they are not programmed to achieve results alone as sport horses; they require a relationship and co-operation with the human being. Second, unlike the heavy breeds of horses Žemaitukai are much more vivid and joyful, giving energy and dynamism, but at the same time they care not to hurt the human. Third, constitution, speed and rhythm characteristics of Žemaitukai vary even within the breed, to it is easy to select horses for different needs and disabled clients. Another Lithuanian horse breed, particularly widespread in North Lithuania, is the Lithuanian Heavy draught horse. The above breed was acknowledged in 1963 but during the transition period in the 1990ies it was on a sharp decline because of massive export of these horses for meat production. This breed is characterised by excellent work, meat and milk qualities, so I would not like to agree with the opinion that the Lithuanian Heavy draught horse has no future perspectives because the percentage of draught horses throughout Europe is just around 5 per cent. However, Lithuania has been, is and must remain agrarian country with a lot of
29 nature; and some agricultural work is the cheapest and best done by horse: works on the family farm, in organic farms, works in the forest. At present breeding farms produce this breed for herd renewal; few are sold for meat production or to individual farms. However, the Lithuanian Heavy Draught Horses Breeders Association (Lietuvos sunkiųjų veislės arklių augintojų asociacija) is considering how to get these horses back to competitions, carts and exhibitions. Milk yield of mares is very good; large farms should thus consider producing and selling products made of mare‘s milk. Because of their valuable characteristics and good acclimatisation the Lithuanian heavy draught horses were highly demanded throughout the ex-Soviet Union. Export of this breed could thus be one of their uses. The Lithuanian animal farming system, which is fundamentally wrong, based only on the functioning of inspection institutions, with no long-term and comprehensive strategy and not providing adequate conditions for the functioning of animal farming institutions (associations) and for the work of professionals thereof, greatly complicates the preservation, promotion and sales of the above Lithuanian breeds. The potential breeders and end customers of these breeds are not always informed in a timely manner about the characteristics and advantages of these breeds and possibilities of their further expansion. The lack of experts, further-education trainings, research and education does not meet the growing need in stallions and mares of Lithuanian breeds of high breeding value. Therefore, in this paper an overview of the largest farms producing various breeds is presented as they carry out in large part the work of expansion and promotion of these breeds. Farms producing the Lithuanian saddle-horses and the Baltic Hanoverians, as well as breeders of protected Lithuanian breeds, annually assess the breeding stallions and mares, take part in seminars and competitions, and attract enthusiasts of equestrian sports. After the restoration of Lithuanian independence, more and more people bought different breeds of saddle horses from abroad. Cross- breeding began. A question was raised about the registration of horses born in our country: either to become members of foreign associations or to create a new one in Lithuania. For more flexible adaptation of the Western European horse breeds to the principles of open populations and for the use of expertise of foreign public and private bodies, in 1999 a population of Lithuanian saddle-horses was created, a bit later a population of Baltic Hanoverians. Work on breeding of these breeds is carried out by different associations: by the Lithuanian Horse Breeders Association (Lietuvos arklių
30 augintojų asociacija) and by the Baltic Hanoverian Breeders Association (Baltijos Hanoverių veislės žirgų augintojų asociacija). Their aims are in fact identical: to develop sport horses of good quality. The feasibility study has shown that in Northern Lithuania there are several farms for the Lithuanian saddle horses and the Baltic Hanoverian populations. They are involved in the improvement of the populations; the best stallions and mares are selected. These populations are young: 1-8 year-old horses dominate. If the associations remain strong and help breeders improve their work, the produced horses should be used for equestrian sporting events, tourism, exports, show programmes, and so on. For similar purposes, and particularly for competitions and artistic riding, Hanoverians of German origin and Trakehners, traditionally liked in Lithuania. The above horse breeds should not lose ground at least in Northern Lithuania, while the breeders should resist the monopoly, which will do no good to horse breeding in Lithuania. The development of horse breeding in Northern Lithuania (in ex- Siauliai district) is planned through the extension a cooperation network between researchers and practitioners, livestock consultants, professors of agricultural schools, associations, farmers’ unions and through the research of relevant biological characteristics of horses (temperament, sensitivity to stress, etc.)
2. PROMOTION OF THE PRINCIPAL FIELDS OF LIVESTOCK SECTOR IN ZEMGALE
2.1. Development possibilities of the dairy farming (D. Jonkus)
Milk production in Latvia has traditionally been one of the main agricultural fields. It was determined by the geographical location of Latvia and its climate, which is suitable especially for the development of dairy farming because it was possible to provide the animals with sword food in summer, as well as, hay and later with silage in winter. Latvia has its own cow breed – Latvian brown, which was approved in 1922. Dairying in Latvia today, similar as in other countries, from irreplaceable way of life has turned into business and that dictates new rules. Dairying had 23% from the total value of the agricultural final products in 2011. In
31 Latvia in 2011 there were 27.7 thousand farms producing milk, which is by 7.7% less than in 2010. The amount of dairy cows in the last two years has not practically changed and in 2011 there were 164.2 thousand dairy cows registered with the average milk yield of 5064kg from a cow, which is still low in comparison with an average milk yield of EU (~7000kg). There are three breed growers’ organizations working in the dairy livestock in Latvia: the Union of Latvian breed animal growers, the Association of Holstein breed animal growers, as well as, cooperative society of agricultural services „ABC Project”, that started its work in the dairy livestock industry in 2011. Structure of dairying industry in Latvia indicates that there is a fragmentation in it, because in a lot of farms the amount of cows is little. Small farms with 1-5 cows are 82.4% from all farms, thus, the amount of such farms decreases every year. Total amount of cows that are kept in small farms also decreases. There were 25% kept in small farms with 1-5 cows in 2010, but in 2011 – 22.6% from all cows. Small farms lack current assets and investment funds for restructuring and modernization of farms and such farms more often have problems with the supply of feed, correct feeding of cows and the quality of milk. Every year stable increase is in farms that keep 50 and more cows. In such farms there were 37.2% from all cows kept in 2010, but in 2011 – 39.4%. The density of the cattle was 2.35 cattle/ha. The total milk quota of Latvia for the quota year 2011/2012 was set in the amount of 765741 tons, 747127 of which is made of state supply quotas and 18614 tons – quota of the direct sale. Delivery quota in the quota year 2011/2012 drew 97.6% of the total quota. In the quota year of 2011/2012, the amount of the delivered milk was 684606 tons, so the milk delivery quota draws 91.6%, which is by 4.5% more than the quota of the previous year. 18390.34 tons of milk was sold in the direct sale in the quota year of 2011/2012, which is by 1.2% more than the previous quota year, and its compliance is of the amount of 98.8%. The fact that milk production if still fragmented states also the division of milk quota owners by the size of herds. Owners with 1-5 cows per herd in 2011 drew 57% of the total amount of farms. In 2011 significantly increased the amount of milk quota owners with 6-49 cows per herd. Milk quota owners with an amount of more than 50 cows per herd still draw an insignificant part of the total amount – 5%, but they realize more than a half (53%) from the total amount of milk. Significant amount of milk (39%) is
32 being realized in farms with 6-49 cows per herd. Only 8% from the total amount of sold milk is sold by the farms of 1-5 cows (Source: LDC). The main part of the territory of the region of Zemgale is in the plains of Zemgale, where are fertile soils. In 2010, there were 297 thousand ha of land useful for agriculture in the area of Zemgale (LUA). Sod-carbonate soils are dominant in this area that is suitable for growing high quality agricultural crops ((rapeseed and cereal). Dairy farming and beef growing is also practiced in the region of Zemgale. Amount of the registered cattle is given in Table 1. According to the LDC information, there were 72021 cattle registered in the area of Zemgale by July 1, 2012, which is ~17.8% from all registered cattle in Latvia (405712). From all registered cattle, 34654 were cows, including 31037 dairy cows and 3614 suckler cows, which is 18.4 and 14.7% from existing dairy and suckler cows in Latvia (Table 2.1).
Table 2.1. Number of cattle in Latvia and Zemgale region
Region Cattle Cows Dairy cows Suckling cows Latvia 405712 193453 168825 24545 Zemgale 72021 34654 31037 3614 Zemgale/Latvia, % 17.8 17.9 18.4 14.7
The largest districts according to the amount of cattle and dairy cows in percents are given in Image 2.1.
Novads/Region Liellopi/Cattle Slaucamās govis/Dairy cow Fig 2.1. Regions in Zemgale with the biggest number of cattle and dairy cows
33 The greatest amount of cattle (11075) including dairy cows (5590) is in district of Dobele. District of Jelgava is in the second place according to the amount of cattle and dairy cows, respectively 9869 cattle and 4866 dairy cows, in the area of Zemgale. In the third place according to the amount of cattle (6885) was the district of Jēkabpils, but according to the amount of dairy cows (2399) Jekabpils was in the 4th place in the area of Zemgale. In the third place after the amount of dairy cows was the district of Bauska (2420), where the total amount of the cattle was the fourth largest. Position of the registered cattle throughout the districts and animal housings in Zemgale was different (Table 2.2.). All cattle grown in the area of Zemgale were placed in 5237 stalls by July 1, 2012. The most cattle – 3707 or 71% from all were in very small stalls, with the amount of animals from 1-5. 95.6% of cattle from the area of Zemgale are placed in stalls with amount of animals up to 50. Stalls that are able to place more than 200 cattle were only 1.2%. Similar tendency is visible throughout Latvia.
Table 2.2. Number of cowsheds according to the size of herd in Latvia and Zemgale
Size of cowsheds Region Totally 1-5 6-10 11-20 21-50 51-100 101-200 201-500 >500 Latvia 33184 22650 3886 2871 2228 867 443 197 42 Zemgale 5237 3707 556 410 336 107 58 49 14 Zemgale/ 15.8 16.4 14.3 14.3 15.1 12.3 13.1 24.9 33.3 Latvia, %
Breeding plays a significant role to manage dairy herd successfully and to plan a higher milk yield from a cow per year. Amount of cows being monitored in 2011 was 123 thousand or 75% of all dairy cows. Comparing the productivity of cows for the last two years, the average milk yield in 2011 for the monitored cows has increased, milking 6128kg of milk on average from a cow, which is, by 141kg more than in the previous monitoring year. Monitoring is done to about 40% of dairy cows in the area of Zemgale. In 2011 the amount of registered cows was – 11473, which is only 9.3% from the amount of dairy cows in Latvia that had the monitoring done. In 2011 monitoring year, dairy cows were placed in 201 herds in the area of Zemgale. The division of cows by the size of herds is given in Image 2.2.
34 Fig.2.2. Number of dairy cattle and herds according to herd size.
From all monitored herds, 77% or 155 herds had up to 50 dairy cows. The most (44) herds with amount of cows from 21-50 were in Zemgale. Herds with an amount of cows more than 50 were only 46. More than 500 dairy cows were only in 5 herds. 52% or 6014 from all monitored cows in Zemgale were in big herds with amount more than 200 cows. The average milk yield for dairy cows in the area of Zemgale in the monitoring year 2011 was 6912.4 kg of milk (Table 2.3).
Table 2.3. Milk yield of dairy cows in Zemgale regions, 2010/2011 Productivity Number Regions of cows Milk yield, Milk fat, Milk SCC kg % protein,% x1000 Aizkraukle 468 7730 4.16 3.30 331 Jelgava 2598 7035 4.22 3.29 272 Koknese 1041 8810 4.07 3.30 264 Plavinas 128 7057 4.51 3.31 319 Sala 36 7098 4.49 3.46 435 Skriveri 14 7311 3.99 3.20 259 Viesite 901 7272 4.31 3.28 350 Zemgale totally 11473 6912 4.28 3.29 298
35 The average milk productivity of the monitored cows in the best districts of region of Zemgale and on average in the region in the monitoring year 2010/2011 The highest average milk yield was reached in Koknese district, 8810 kg of milk, with average fat content 4.07, average protein content 3.30% and 264 thousand somatic cells in one ml of milk. In 2011 monitoring year, 98% of all Koknese district cows were placed in 3 large herds with an amount of 289, 299 and 437 cows. The second highest milk yield is in Aizkraukle district – 7730 kg of milk from a cow, although, in 2011 only 468 cows closed lactation in this district. Third highest milk yield is reached in Skrīveri district – 7311 kg, there was only one herd with 14 cows. The average milk yield from a cow in eight herds of the region of Zemgale in 2011 exceeded 9000kg of milk (Table 2.4.). The highest milk yield in the area of Zemgale was 11723 kg, which in 2011 was also the highest milk yield in the country. It was reached by the farm Kalna Dambrāni in Viesīte that had 526 dairy cows. The third highest milk yield in 2011 in Latvia was reached in farm Pilslejas – 11378 kg, which is located in Koknese district. There were 437 dairy cows in this farm.
Table 2.4. Best herds in Zemgale, 2011 Productivity Number Farm of cows Milk yield, Milk Milk SCC kg fat, % protein,% x1000 Z/s Brēķu Zvirgzdiņi 27 9272 4.10 3.44 259 Z/s Gala Tuņķi 100 9323 4.41 3.39 455 Z/s Palejkalni 177 9370 4.11 3.33 257 Z/s Vecsiljāņi 299 9535 3.92 3.37 176 Z/s Lejas Palsāni 165 9719 4.55 3.35 282 IK WIL VAN HERK 289 10200 3.93 3.40 241 Z/s Pilslejas 437 11378 3.78 3.45 104 Z/s Kalna Dambrāni 526 11723 3.98 3.27 118
There is one more farm in the area of Zemgale with an average milk yield 10200 kg, it is a farm Koknese district IK WIL VAN HERK with 289 cows. Holstein black-mottled breed cows, which have been imported in Latvia as pregnant and gave birth here, are dominant in all of these farms.
36 Now their daughters produce in herds, whose fathers are top bulls and their bioproducts is imported in Latvia.
Identified dairy farming problems in Latvia and Zemgale: • The dairy farming in Latvia is still fragmented and there is a large amount of farms with a little amount of cows. Farms with a greater amount of cows can attract funds for modernization of production easier and, in that way they can work effectively and provide a good quality of milk. • The quality of genetics of cows in most farms is very good, that is why the demand for breeding heifers for export has increased. • One of the biggest problems is low area payments – especially for swards, because swards are the main foodstuff base in the dairy farming. • There is a partial support of an excise for an intensive dairy farms, because it is not enough with 100l/ha, if swards are mowed more than two times a year. • Low buying-in price of milk for dairy farmers. • Farmers lack knowledge about the importance of monitoring and breeding to provide cost-effective management of the farm. • Lack of specialists in agriculture both in the level of universities, and vocational schools. • Quality of milk. • Latvia can consume the specific amount of products in the local market, that is why imported products are a problem, which decreases the consumed share of the products produced in Latvia. • Work of the Ministry of Agriculture and institutions that are in its control. • Fragmentation of the milk market of Latvia, where 38 processing plants were working at the beginning of 2012.
Solutions: • Development of the long-term development program of the dairy farming of Latvia would be necessary. Should enter the association of EU milk producers, which is a great lobby for milk producers in EU. • Active work on the development of Common Politics of Agriculture (CPA). • Creation of the added value for Latvian milk, so the added value is not based on cheaper production tools, but on effectively used resources.
37 • Trade Act should be organized. It is possible that farmers create their own store chains. There is a processing plant owned by farmers, which was opened in September 2012, in Jelgava. Plant „Milk of Latvia” has started taking in milk and process tests. • The market demands an intensive production of milk, so it would be necessary to introduce the colored petrol, because an active milk producer has at least 2-5 sward mows a year. If colored petrol is not introduced intensive milk producers are put into uneven situation both in the level of the country, and EU. • Focus on construction and management of qualitative swards because that is the main feeding base for dairy farming. • It is necessary to increase the amount of cows being monitored to be able to carry out a purposeful breeding by doing a breeding evaluation of animals, the selection of the best animals and selection of couples, the selection effect of which would be in the next generation. • Each association of breed animal growers should do breeding in their own breed, because there are three organizations of breed animal growers that work in the dairy farming. • When exporting breeding animals, make sure that the best breeding animals are not taken away, but ensure reproduction of their own herds. • Education of farmers should be seriously considered, offering educational courses and seminars in the life-long educational centre of the Latvian University of Agriculture. • Independent, stricter control system, so that consumers receive safe products and there would be equal competitiveness among milk producers if independent dairy farming laboratory would be created. • Qualitative dairy products are more competitive both in local, and export markets. Work on different activities so that consumers better choose Latvian products. The region of Zemgale is in Latvia, so problems and their solutions are identical to all Latvia.
2.2. Development possibilities of the pig farming (L. Degola)
Swine-breeding branch produces 8% from the total production of the Latvian agriculture. The Latvian swine-breeders are able produce 77% from the total pork consumption needs. At present in Latvia there is only 60 % of
38 the Latvian pork. In 2010 in Latvia the produced pork was 37, 2 thousand tons in slaughter weight but the produced amount for a person was 17 kg although the consumption needs were 21, 01 kg. In total in 2010 the pork consumption needs were 67 thousand tons in comparison with 2009 it has decreased by 6 thousand tons (-8%) on the other hand the consumption needs of pork in 2011 in comparison with 2010 has increased by 6%. The produced pork in 2011 was 38 thousand tons in slaughter weight. The international trade tendencies are becoming better – the amounts of export are growing more rapidly than the import. The export amount in Latvia in 2011 has increased by 35% but the import amount has increased only by 15%. In 2010 to Russia there were exported 14, 3 thousand tons of to be slaughtered alive swine or 130 thousand animals or 5400 sow brood which is approximately 24 from one sow. In 2010 to Poland were exported 48 thousand porklings or 2000 sow brood. By the analysis of export and import data in 2010 we have to conclude that Latvia exports to Russia (the fattened swine for slaughtering) 5500 sow brood but to Poland are exported at least 2000 sow brood in the form of piglets. In its turn Latvia has received 29 thousand tons pork per year or 379 thousand animals which is 16 thousand sow brood. Despite the export increase the amount of swine in Latvia has been very important and it had a tendency of decrease although in the last half year it has increased by 11% and it has remained in the same level as in the previous year. From the ancient times Zemgale has been called as Latvia’s granary. In Zemgale’s farms there are 37-39% of all Latvian swine (table 2.5.) We not only have the most fruitful soil in the country but also the most suitable land for agriculture. 45, 9% land could be used for agriculture which is 19, 8 % of all Latvian agriculture land. These soils are suitable for growing crops which is the main food source for swine.
Table 2.5. Number of pigs in Latvia and Zemgale
Data Latvia, number Zemgale, number Zemgale, % 1.07.2012. 290 413 107190 37 1.01.2012. 259 632 102485 39 1.07.2011. 288 566 81519 28 1.01.2011. 323 087 102416 32
39 In 20 Zemgale’s regions there is a different number of farms (table 2.6.) 19-21% from all swine are based in the regions of Auce, Bauska and Dobele. The biggest swine complex is situated in the region of Salas – holding company Jēkabpils labība with 27 493 swine which is also the biggest in Latvia. In the regions with the most swine the number of farms is not big – 3-7% from the total amount but for example in the regions of Aknīste, Krustpils and Nereta where the number of swine is commencing at 144- 289 the number of farms is starting at 8, 2-10%. A big complex of swine is situated in the region of Dobele – holding company Latvia Dan Agro with 20 171 swine. The farm division by the number of swine in the flock in 2012 January shows that 93 farms own 1-9 swine which is approximately a half (46%) of the total number of farms and 78 farms own 10-50 swine (38%) (Fig. 2.3.). Consequently in Zemgale there are many farms with several swine although more than 72% swine from the total amount of swine in Zegale are situated in farms consisting of more than 5000 swine. In these small farms it’s mostly manual labor as they lack modern feeding and breeding technologies. The amount of swine flock in Zemgale corresponds to the situation in all Latvia. The main pork producers are the biggest swine farms in Zemgale. Despite the fact that we still have rather many small farms they have a tendency to decrease. In Zemgale there are 90 farms with 1-9 sow which means that these farms provide with their produce only families and the inhabitants of the nearby areas.
Table 2.6. Number of pigs and pig farms in regions of Zemgale At 01.07.2012. Regions Number of % from Number of % from pigs totally farms totally Aizkraukles 1919 1.8 2 0.7 Aknīstes 197 0.2 24 8.54 Auces 22 164 20.7 11 3.91 Bauskas 21 105 19.7 15 5.34 Dobeles 23 005 21.5 17 6.05 Iecavas 136 0.1 1 0.36 Jaunjelgavas 101 0.09 5 1.78
40 Table 2.6. continued At 01.07.2012. Regions Number of % from Number of % from pigs totally farms totally Jēkabpils 470 0.4 42 14.9 Jelgavas 1327 1.2 38 13.5 Kokneses 1252 1.2 7 2.5 Krustpils 289 0.3 28 9.96 Neretas 244 0.2 23 8.2 Ozolnieku 65 0.06 3 1.07 Pļaviņu 0 0 0 0 Rundāles 95 0.09 2 0.7 Salas 34 278 31.8 20 7.12 Skrīveru 8 0.007 2 0.7 Tērvetes 253 0.24 10 3.56 Vecumnieku 157 0.15 12 4.27 Viesītes 125 0.11 19 6.76 Totally 107 190 100 281 100
The swine feeding in small farms is mainly based on self-produced food: barley, potatoes, food scraps, summer green crop, if available then also dairy recycling, as a supplement buying extra protein nutriment, mineral- nutriment and vitamins although rather often pulling through without it.
100 93 90 78 80 70 60 50 40
Saimniecību skaits 30 20 12 13 10 1 1 2 1 2 0 1-9 10-50 51-100 101-500 501- 1001- 5001- 10001- <20000 1000 5000 10000 20000 Cūku skaits ganāmpulkā
Fig.2.3. Number of pigs herds according to size of herd, 01.01.2012.
41 In such an extensive swine breeding they are fattened until 110-130 kg with a rather long fattening period of 8-9 month. A rather few number of farms are with 10-50 sow. Only 4 farms have sow of 1000-5000. Biological swine-breeding farms are almost non-existent because in swine feeding are only used conventionally produced crops and their recycling products. The activities of pedigree swine breeding and swine breeding is controlled by two organizations of pedigree animal breeding which have obtained a specialized breeding organization status – holding company ‘Cūku ciltsdarba centrs’ and holding company ‘Agrosels’. In order to reach the aims and goals the previously mentioned organizations put into practice a certain program which is based on the swine species bred in Latvia – Yorkshire, Landrace, PJ, Duroc and the Great White. In 2010 with pedigree swine breeding were occupied 14 farms but in 2011 were occupied 13 farms which have obtained a pedigree animal breeding status and which in comparison with the previous year’s swine selection have gained good results. Eight pedigree swine breeding farms are in the charge of ‘Cūku ciltsdarba centrs’ and five are in the charge of holding company Agrosels. The total number of sow is 5172 from which ‘the mother’ species are Landrace and Yorkshire. Very few sow are ‘the father’ species – PJ and Duroc sow. The collaboration partners of the provision of the bio-products of boar to ‘Cūku Ciltsdarba Centrs’ is ‘Norsvin Lietuva’. The provided boar sperm comes from the Norvegian Landrace, Yorkshire and Duroc species. Only two pedigree swine breeding farms are located in the region of Zemgale. It is holding company ‘Sēļi’ in the region of Salas with a total number of 5573 swine and holding company PF ‘Vecauce’ with a total number of 7960 swine in the region of Auce. In Zemgale like in all Latvia as a whole the biggest density is with Landrace swine species of 43, 2% then comes Yorkshire crossbreed swine (image 2.4.) In producing pork are used reflexive three-species and four- species crossbreed offspring. In 2010 and 2011 by implementing the breeders program and purposefully utilizing high-quality breeding boar sperm it was possible to maintain the fertility (in a constant level) of Latvian sow Landrace swine species.
42 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Landrass Yorkshire Cross breed Pjetran Djurok (M1) Fig. 2.4. Distribution of pigs breeds, %
In the region of Zemgale one of the biggest slaughterhouses is holding company ‘Gaļas pārstrādes uzņēmums Nākotne’ in 2011 producing 10, 9 million Ls in returns which is more than 28, 7% as in 2010. In 2011 the company’s profit also increased by 29%. The company’s returns in 2010 were 8, 4 million Ls and the betterment in 2011 is connected with the more stable economical situation in Latvia and the extra investment in the company’s advertisements. The total amount of production in 2011 was 7281 tons and from this amount the EU member countries have received 83, 2 tons. The swine breeding branch is still in a difficult situation taking into account the increase of crop price and the only surviving farms are those with their own grain forage or slaughterhouses and the retail sales.
Table 2.7. Prices of fodder grains and pigs
Indice 2010/July 2011/January 2011/Sptember Wheat, Ls t-1 85 160 125 Barley, Ls t-1 75 142 130 Cost of feed for fattening of pig till 78 100 95 100 kg live weight, Ls Price of pig live weight, Ls kg-1 0.8-0.84 0.7-0.74 0.84-0.88
The farms which do not grow their own crop are forced to purchase it by the market price which commencing of January 2011 is unreasonably high in comparison with the retail price of swine. Latvia is relatively on the suburbs of Europe and the small amounts as well as the distance from the
43 centers raises the cost of the nutriment row materials (soya, fish flavor, the concentrates of mineral substances) in the result the product cost raises by 10-20 EUR on a ton. The Latvian farmers receive rather less EU direct payments as well as Latvia is geographically not located in the best region where the vegetation period is rather short consequently crop harvest is never going to be the same as in the countries where the vegetation period is longer. Historically in Latvia as well as in Zemgale the situation has developed as follows – the biggest part of farms has been inherited from the collective farms with their infrastructure and the location as well as it all was privatized without the agriculture land. The small farms lack the finances to modernize their production and to obtain the agriculture land. The bank loan specialists consider the branch very risky and refuse to give loans. As well as there are problems with the collecting of corpses. It is done by a corporation – monopoly which services are mandatory. It is 86 LVL by a ton. The storage of fertilizers for 7 month and moving to the client’s land with their own transport (full gas price) if they do not own their own agriculture land. That is why the small farms decrease and remain only the big farmers.
The branch development goals: • In the sphere of environment it is for the integrated production development in the society and the environment. • To implement the norms in the law which determine the relative density of agriculture animals in a specific territory (for example: 15000 swine per 3 km); • The development of a positive society’s consideration of the pork producers and the product itself. For example the cooperation with meat processors by jointly implementing a project ‘the system of facilitation and information on the products of agriculture’. It also determines the participation in the national food quality scheme where all produce steps could be traced and brings the consumer’s notice on the quality of the product, its harmlessness, food value and the heartiness. To observe the well-keeping of animals and the environment demands in the farms. Legislation: • Systematical work with the law developers: the policy of tax (reduced VAT for food, VAT on subsidies, work, force VAT amount etc) with constructive proposals for branch laws and regulations, in their development and corrections. (Breeding law, animal’s well-keeping etc)
44 Retail: • In the market of Latvia – to increase the consumption of Latvian meat by 5%. According to different data Latvia provides itself with 50-60% of pork needs. Such a situation exists for a long period of time. Each country’s aim is to provide itself with sufficient amount of auxiliaries services; Export: • To achieve the recognition and the sales of Latvian pork in Russia as well as in Europe. The opinion coming from the local meat processors and the foreign meat processors (with the export of alive swine) on the swine-breeders fattened pork quality is rather good. • To develop and implement a unique LCAA swine brand. A unique brand which would state – born, kept, processed in Latvia. • To increase the developed swine cooperative’s influence. Two years ago 9 swine breeding farms decided to develop an agriculture services cooperative with an aim of organized retail of the Latvian swine breeder’s products and the development of its coordination the Latvian market. Breeders: • To maintain the existing gene pool. Since the independency of Latvia swine-breeder’s organizations have been purposefully working on providing the consumers with quality meat consisting of unique taste. It has been achieved with the local genetics and improved with the European and Scandinavian genetics. We have to preserve the Latvian Great White swine which has been included in the program of preserving genetic resources. The problem is with the infective diseases in the flock and the little demand for such pork meat in the market. In 2007 the population of the Great White (in accordance with the requirements of genetic resources) in Latvia was 532 units. Nowadays there are only 3 farms with 66 animals. In the region of Zemgale there are no more the Great White swines. • Unified requirements for swine selection data and its implementation programs. In Latvia there has been developed data registration software ‘Seleks C’ which commencing 2012 January will work in online mode. The program is used not only by all swine-breeding farms but also swine-breeding monitoring farms thus providing the feedback with the pedigree farms from which were bought the breed swine and boar.
45 Education: • To cooperate with other farm organizations and state institutions in the education of the mid-stage agriculture specialists and providing vacant places for trainees in the swine-breeding farms. Granting scholarships for the students studying agriculture to motivate the students (after the graduation) to work on the granter’s organizations. At the moment holding company Baltic Breeders offers scholarship to the students of Latvian Agriculture who are studying zootechnics and veterinary medicine. • The improvement of professional skills and the organization of seminars swine-breeders. The influence of other branches and the cooperation: • The cultivation of grain is connected with cattle-breeding and vice versa. In order to feed the cattle the grain is needed but for the cultivation of grain the need is for the animal droppings which reduce the fertilization costs. • In swine-breeding from all the production expenses 70 % are feeding expenses with the main factor being crop. • The cooperation with swine-purchasers – the slaughterhouses and the meat processors. The payment time with the farms can be up to 90 days which drastically influences the money flow. Since the independency swine-breeding organizations have lost approximately 4 million LVL in the liquidated and bankrupted slaughterhouses. The situation is the following – pork is becoming more expensive due to the high expenses in the slaughterhouses (FVS services, the monopoly of the production recycling utilization ‘Reneta’). When the final product (meat and its products) find their way in the stores their origin is somewhat ‘anonymous’. At the moment there are some plans with the big chain- markets to implement the meat recognition and facilitation program. At this point our own swine brand would be very useful. • In the perspective there is cooperation with producers of biogas (or nearby the big farms to build our own with EU finances) thus reducing the expenses from the fertilizations and developing added value – warmth and energy. • There is need for cooperation with multi-leveled agriculture schools because there is high demand for specialists with knowledge and
46 willingness to work in the organizations of agriculture (zoo technicians, veterinary medics, agronomists, and mechanics). • National subsidies for breeders. • The unified state policy for agriculture which would be pointed at the development of meat branch. • The unified state policy would be facilitating for the branch; • Financing for the development of the branch; • The maintaining of a high quality gene pool; • Alternative profit resources through other resources (biogas); • In order to maintain the labor places in the countryside we have to restructure it by the help of EU finances.
2.3 Development possibilities of the horse farming (G. Rozitis)
At the moment in the region of Zemgale there are 290 horses in the herds which are located in 9 Zemgale support regions (LAD) and in the city of Jelgava. The number of horses in one herd fluctuates from 1 to 55 horses. Mostly there are herds with only one horse. Almost always this horse becomes almost a family member but the farmers are busy with a totally different production branch. Among these herds of horses there happen to occur such breeders which do not have suitable places where to keep this horse. These horse owners rent a place in bigger farm’s stables and pay the rent for keeping the horse there. On the other hand the bigger farms in such a way have a stable income source. Very often such situation develops near the cities because the owners live in the apartments. The owners of big herds attract the attention of the youth, teach them to ride and handle the horses. These herds also have to do the breeding which is connected with the breeding of the specific species. By analyzing the situation we would recommend for the horse-breeding organizations to admit as the horse-breeding farms the biggest farms which consist of approximately 50 horses with knowledgeable and professional breeders. The main aim of these farms is to develop the Latvian warm- blooded horse-breeding (both types).
47 Table 2.8. Number of horse herds
Herds with Herds Herds with Herds with
No. Regions more than 5 totally 1 horse 30-50 horses horses 1. Auces 11 10 1 - 2. Bauskas 34 32 2 - 3. Dobeles 35 30 5 - 4. Iecavas 21 18 3 - 5. Rundāles 20 19 1 - 6. Jelgavas 54 48 5 1 7. Ozolnieku 27 20 6 1 8. Tērvetes 15 11 3 1 9. Vecumnieku 51 43 6 2 10. Jelgavas town 30 28 1 1 ZEMGALE totally 290 45 6
Speaking about the breeds historically - already starting in 1937 there has been accepted one warm-blooded breed and there have developed two types thus we would recommend: For the development of breeding to join the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and two breeding organizations as one breeding organization where as the final product would be shown the Latvian warm-blooded horse in the breeding-book. In the World Breeding Federation for Sport (WBSFH) Latvia has to be represented as one organization which is the breeding-book holder. The unified breeding organization has to create some certain breeding system of horse-breeding starting with the selection and the pair selection. The assessing and selection of steed. The assessment of colts’ ability to work and the development of methodology. The certification of breeders. The assessment of breeding mares and the awarding of the best ones and the creation of the awarding system. In the whole breeding selection work the main emphasis must be put on the quality of breeding mares. In the laws and regulations of the Ministry of Agriculture must be designated the breeding name (which was accepted already in 1937) – The Latvian warm-blooded. That would clarify the situation in Latvia about the historically bred breeds and the groups: Latvian warm-blooded, breeding (Ls);
48 Latvian Ardennes (La); Racing horse of Latgale (Lr).
The farms must determine specific breeding aims for the breeding of specific breed types, determining the directions for the breeding of sport horses, showjumping and dressage, driving horses, tourism, Reittherapy where it would be highly important to apply genetic resources. Within the framework of breeding must be performed a wider cooperation with the Latvian federation of riders. The assessment and designation of specific places for work ability of colts.
2.4. Development possibilities of the sheep farming (D. Kairisa)
Sheep-farming has old customs in Latvia. Maximums amount of sheep was reached in 1938 – 1.4 million sheep, but minimum at the end of the 20th century, only about 30 thousand. Amount of registered sheep has been increasing in recent years. Agricultural Data Centre information states that to July 1, 2012, amount of registered sheep exceeded 98000 borders, which is 5 thousand more than in July 1, 2011. Sheep-farming is the third numerically largest livestock sector in Latvia. The work of sheep producers is lead by the „Association of Sheep producers of Latvia” that was established in 1998, and which is now renamed to „Association of Sheep producers of Latvia” society. The aim of the society: create a favourable environment for sheep farming, and develop sheep-farming as a profitable long-term industry that allows operating in an environmentally friendly manner and improving the quality of life.
Table 2.9. Amount of registered sheep in Zemgale and Latvia, 1.07.2012.
Indices Sheep totally Ewes Rams Latvia 98580 43253 207 Zemgale 10510 3555 28 Zemgale /Latvia, % 10.7 8.2 13.5
49 Experience shows that the development of the sheep-farming is also possible in the regions that are unfavourable for intensive agriculture, as for example, in the areas of Latgale and Kurzeme, as well as Vidzeme. Although, Zemgale is considered as an area of cultivation of grain in Latvia, yet, the owners of small lands also do sheep farming. Overall amount of registered sheep in Latvia, including Zemgale, is summarized in Table 2.9. Amount of sheep grown in the territories of Zemgale has exceeded the border of 10 thousand, besides, 33.8% are ewes. Amount of registered breeding ram indicates that farms have not given full information about breeding used for natural, because, when using natural mating, every herd must have at least one breeding. As summarized results in Table 1 indicate, only 10.7% from overall amount of sheep in Latvia are registered in Zemgale. Amount of ewes is even more negligible, only 8.2%. The ratios of sheep in the territories of Zemgale are summarized in Image 2.5.
Fig.2.5. The rate of sheep (%) in the rural municipalities of the area of Zemgale
The highest amount of sheep is registered in Jelgava, which is 14% of all registered sheep in this area. The next biggest district of sheep-farming is Bauska (10%), then Aknīste and Viesīte (9%), Vecumnieki and Koknese
50 (8%). The lowest amount of sheep registered in districts of Rundāle, Skrīveri and Tērvete, correspondingly 24.82 and 99 sheep. Mainly in Zemgale grow: Latvian dark-head (LD), Romanov (R) breed sheep, as well as different crossbreds, but German Merino local (GML), breed rams of Oxfordaun (OX) and Texel (T) are used as breeding.
Fig. 2.6. The herd of Latvian dark-head breed sheep.
Qualitative new sheep are necessary to recover the herd. There are 41 breed sheep farms approved in Latvia by 01.07.2012, two of which grow German Merino local breed sheep, but the rest 39 grow Latvian dark-headed breed sheep. Overall amount of breed ewes has exceeded 4000. There are only 3 (7% of all breed farms) in Zemgale that grow in the ewe breed group included LD sheep (see image 2). Amount of ewes and breeding, live weight and wool in the breed sheep farms in Zemgale are summarized in Table 2.10.
51 Table 2.10. Number of ewes and rams, sheep live weight and yield of fleece in breeding farms Ewes Rams Region Live Fleece Live Fleece Number Number weight, kg yield, kg weight, kg yield, kg Aknīste 95 67.3 4.5 3 129.0 6.4 Aknīste 44 74.6 4.6 2 103.5 5.7 Jelgava 106 61.2 4.1 4 113.3 6.2
245 ewes, whose live weight exceeded 60 kg, but wool clip – 4.0 kg, and 9 breeding, whose live weight exceeded 100 kg and wool clip 5.5 kg, were evaluated in breed sheep farms in Zemgale in the monitoring year 2011/2012. Average results comply with the requirements demanded in the programme of breeding activities. Amount of breed sheep in the district of Zemgale is only 6.9% that points to an insufficient proposal of breeding material. The income of farms is mainly influenced by the production and conservation of lamb. On average, fertility of ewes in the monitored herds in Latvia is 171%, but rearing lambs until their separation from mothers – 91%, which are considered to be good results. 233 from registered ewes, or 95%, in the sheep farms in Zemgale yeaned in the monitoring year 2011/2012. The fertility of the yeaned ewes was in between 164-200%.
Table 2.11. Fertility of ewes and the amount of lambs in a litter size
Region Parturited Productiveness, Litter size ewes % 1 2 3 4 Aknīste 91 192 16 134 21 4 Aknīste 42 200 4 68 12 0 Jelgava 100 164 37 124 3 0 Kopā 233 181 57 326 36 4
The greatest amount of lambs were born as twins – 326 or 77%, but, during the recent years, by improving the feeding of sheep, amount of triplets has also increased – 36 (8.5%). There have been also four lambs in one litter size, which is a rarity for LD breed sheep.
52 Identified problems: • The amount of grown sheep in Zemgale is low – a little above 10 thousand. From all grown sheep in Latvia it is 10.7%. The greatest amount of sheep is grown for meat production. • The amount of breed sheep in the area of Zemgale is only 6.9%, which points to an insufficient proposal of breeding material; as a result, unknown breed sheep is grown. • Amount of registered breeding ram indicates that farms have not given full information about breeding used for natural because, when using natural mating, every herd must have at least one breeding. Farms do not do monitoring work that is why the most of breeding rams are not certified. • Existing legislation in Latvia provides identification of sheep until 20 days of age, regardless of the planned direction of usage: meat or breeding. European Union Directive allows identifying the lambs that are meat feasible until its realization, but not later than at the age of 6 months. • Sheep in Latvia, also in Zemgale, are at pasture during the summer season, but in winter hay, haulage and grains are used to feed them. A large part of pastures are not properly cultivated, but wet summers are the reason for not qualitative hay and haulage, increasing already high expenses of feeding. • Attacks of stray dogs and wild animals on sheep herds increase in autumn. Wild boars destroy developed lawns. • Owners are not ready to take part in problem solving in the field, only 3% of sheep producers are members of the „Association of Sheep producers of Latvia” society. This is due to a great amount of little farms (till 10 ewes). • Farmers lack the knowledge about keeping, caring, feeding sheep, as well as, about development and maintenance of lawns.
Recommendation for the development of sheep farming • In cooperation with the s/a „Agricultural Data Centre” and society „Association of Sheep producers of Latvia „ (ASPL) educate farmers about the necessity of sheep monitoring work for herd cultivation. • Offer educational courses for sheep producers in the Lifelong Education centre of Latvian University of Agriculture (LUA).
53 • Use the support from the Rural Advisory and Education centre of Latvia and the funding from the State Rural network to organize sheep farming courses and educational seminars. • In cooperation with LUA scientists continue the research about the meaning of intersection in the fast growing of lambs and in the quality development of carcase, as a base use ASPL breeding ram monitoring station „Klimpas”. • In cooperation with s/a „Agricultural Data Centre” solve questions about identification procedure for lambs in the meat farms. • For stabilization the trade of breeding animals, form herds resistant to Skrepi illness. ASPL signed contract with laboratory of molecular laboratory in Germany in 2012. Blood samples of all breed ewes and grown sheep kept in all breed farms are prepared and sent for examination. • In cooperation with the Ministry of agriculture, work out the classifications of the investment programme for development and maintenance of lawns, setting up defence fences against wild animals and setting up light type premises. • Strenghten the cooperation between local sheep producers and sheep producers from Lithuania, Estonia and other countries.
2.5 Development possibilities of the goat farming (E. Aplocina, K. Piliena, L. Apine)
At times In Latvia goats-breeding was not considered a serious business and very few farmers had two minds about whether to keep a goat or a cow. In the whole country the very first goat thousand was reached only in 2002. Even though the branch is developing we could not say that it is doing pretty well. The sales of the production are not too good – as confessed by the goats-breeders. Moreover to get into the market they have to find their own niche with their own unique products but it is rather difficult to perform. A lot of the breeders perform as the home-sellers by selling their products in the market or to their own clients and only very few owns have squeezed in the chain-markets.
54 Table 2.12. Amount of goats in Latvia, 2001. – 2012.
Year Number of herds Number of goats 2001. 1402 2105 2002. 877 2807 2003. 990 3584 2004. 1210 4823 2005. 1699 6759 2006. 2126 8626 2007. 2372 10611 2008. 2634 12320 2009. 2740 12973 2010. 2800 13239 2011. 2855 13492 2012. 2909 14432
According to VIA LDC data on 01.07.2012 there are 14432 goats in Latvia. They are bred for the sake of milk and meat. In Latvia the most widespread bred of milk-goat is the local goat of Latvia, Zanes, the Alpine goat and the German royal goat. For meat producing Latvia has brought in the milk-meat bred called Anglo-Nubians and the meat bred Boer goats. The most popular goats are the Latvian local goats – 85%, Saanen goats – 9,0 % and the rest 6 % - the Alpine, Thiringen goats, Toggenburg goats and Boer goats. But if we are analyzing the existing animals in the herds then we have to conclude that the biggest number herds are only with few animals. Generally in these farms the milk is used for self-consumption. Mostly there are farms with only 1-5 goats – 84 % and in these farms there are approximately 40 % of all goats. A big number of farms have 6-10 goats – 10 % and in these farms there are approximately 17 % of all goats. The big farms are very few. Farms with more than 100 goats are only 0, 4 % from the total number of all farms and the percentage from all the goats in Latvia there is 15 %. By the analysis of the three year period we can see that there is no tendency for the big farms to increase as well as the number of goats also does not increase. In the region of Zemgale there are approximately 16 % of goats’ herds or 15 % animals but the goats-breeding as a branch is the most popular in
55 the regions of Latgale and Vidzeme. In the region of Zemgale the biggest number of goats is in and the regions of Viesite, Vecumnieki and Ozolnieki where they have the biggest herds in the region of Zemgale.
Table 2.13. Goats in organic farming Number Number Number of organic Region of organic of organic livestock % % % goat farms goats farms Latvija 2405 100 110 100 2635 100 Pierīgas reģions 277 12 9 8 255 10 Vidzemes reģions 625 26 38 35 1149 44 Kurzemes reģions 229 9 19 17 700 26 Zemgales reģions 257 11 11 10 281 11 Latgales reģions 1017 42 33 30 250 9
In the region of Zemgale where due to the fertile soils the most popular branch (more popular than the animal-breeding) are the cultivation of plants and especially the cultivation of crop, at the same time their own niche have found also 257 biological animal-breeding farms from which 11 farms are occupied exactly with goats-breeding. Some of these farms are big enough to be able to provide the consumers of the region of Zemgale with their goat’s products as well as facilitating the development of tourism. The number of goats in these farms is rather different but basically there are approximately 20-50 milking-goats. One of the biggest farms in the region of Zemgale is holding company Līcīši – with 80 milking goats and it offers to the market of Latvia the milk and its products. In 2011 Food veterinary service has registered 14 farms as home-sellers with goat’s milk products. For the market of Latvia the goat’s milk is used for soft cheese and fresh cheese and in small amounts – yoghurt, kefir, butter and processed milk. In order to popularize the goats breeding several farms provide tourism services by offering the following: • The observation of the animals • Provide the information the animal’s breeding • Offer degustation and retail of the products.
56 Despite the fact the goats-breeding has very successfully developing in the recent years – since 2001 the number of animals has increased 7 times, the number of herds has increased 2,5 times – there are still rather many problems in this branch. The biggest problems are the following: • In order to start working in goats-breeding a lot of finances are required thus the finances of the EU and the bank’s financing. The biggest problems are banks as they are very cautious regarding this branch and are not willing to give loans. If they do offer loans at the same time they require colossal commercial pledge and the farmers are not always able to do it; • The farms are maintained by old people with the age of 50 and older. The young generation is not willing to step into the shoes of the parents; • 80 % of the farms have less than 10 animals thus breeding them only for the family needs. These farms are not busy with goats-breeding production for commercial reasons; • The high expenses of the goat’s milk production (which is proved by the non-existence of the production quotas) will most likely increase the small amount of the production; • In order to facilitate new enterprises or to join some already existing milk processing enterprise it is important for a specific region (in close range among the farms) to have big herds of goats (with 50-100 goats) which would provide steady milk amount the whole year round as well as it would decrease the expenses of milk delivery for the processing; • From the economically active farms the biggest part of the farms are registered as biological farms and it could be explained as follows – the Latvian goat’s population has very good quality of the quantitative and genetic potential but it is not seen on the surface because these farms have problems with suitable feeding provision. The biological forage is by 30 % more expensive than the conventional forage; • In order to maintain these farms successfully there is a prerequisite of knowledge and experience. In order to get these skills it is important to study abroad. For Latvia the closest and the best connections have developed with Germany and France but the education in these countries is very expensive. • The lack of workforce; • Manual work; • The lack of finances in the farms for the modernization of the production;
57 • The increase of resource prices; • The seasonality of goats – the decrease of milk in wintertime. • The tax burden; • In order to develop the breeding it is needed to purchase highly productive breeders from other countries but it is very expensive. • The lack of energetic and interested leaders which would be able to join the producers in cooperatives.
In order to successfully continue the goats-breeding it is important to keep up with the commenced performances: • To continue to develop the farms. To increase the existing herds until the amount which would be economically profitable. The number of goats in one farm would have to be approximately 50-100; • We have to attract young people to work in the branch of goats-breeding thus creating new milk and meat farms. One of the key prerequisites for the attraction of young people would be the financing by the EU for the new farmers as well as the modernization of the goat’s branch. • In order to facilitate the international cooperation it is important to create the assessment and re-assessment station for he-goats because already now there is high demand for the Latvian breeders. • In order to facilitate the development of breeding we have to maintain the state’s support for the goat’s breeding as well as the assessment of the animal’s genetic quality. • For Latvia to successfully compete with other member countries of the EU, we have to support different support system schemes in agriculture for the goats-breeding. As one of the most important factors would be the EU’s direct payments for the goats-breeding. • Governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations have to develop the goat’s milk and meat production and its export. • We have to facilitate the cooperation among the new farms in order to provide the delivery of the production to the milk processing organizations; • We have to create specialized farms where the interested farmers could gain theoretical and practical skills in the goats-breeding; • We have to cooperate with some of the regions milk processing organization or create a new organization which would purchase and process the goat’s milk.
58 • To remove the taxation of subsidies. • To support the purchase of the Latvian Zane material as well as the breeding for the local market as the potential export product; • To create unified agriculture policy which would be directed at the goats-breeding development; • The creation of meat processing organizations; • For the small farms to offer varied choice of their production which would be directed at tourists and guest-houses; • The creation of biological home-made productions booths in chain- markets; to achieve some certain corrections in the monitoring of food circulation law; • The use of artificial insemination with the seasonality alterations; • For the recognized farms to produce competitive production for the local and foreign markets; • The provision of finances for the scientific research and to raise the education level of the farm owners and the breeding speciālists. Regarding the breed goats – the Latvian breeders breed 10 types (including the local one as well). The goats are sold also abroad – Lithuania, Estonia, and Belorussia. Our grown animals are considered the best in the Baltic States because the quality is so good. Unfortunately in Latvia we do not use the goat’s skin and wool. In order to breed specialized mohair and down goats we would need different climate thus we are more successful at breeding milk-cattle.
2.6. Development possibilities of the poultry farming (A. Trupa)
Zemgale has been traditionally the most active and the most successful region of agriculture in the country. The diversification of the production is based on relative advantages in the region of Zemgale thus the production of agriculture in the branch of animal-breeding is dominated by poultry farming. The biggest producer and exporter of agriculture products in the region of Zemgale is holding company ‘Balticovo’ with the experience of more than 30 years in the production of eggs. During these years Balticovo has become the biggest and the most modern egg producer in the North of Europe. The activities of the enterprise are directed at the local and the
59 international markets. The export of the enterprise consists up to 60 % of all products. In the region of Zemgale there is also one modern poultry farming enterprise which is also one of the main poultry meat producers in the states of Baltics – holding company ‘Lielzeltiņi’. The enterprise’s activities are directed at the local and the international markets. Holding company’s ‘Lielzeltiņi’ 30 % of products are for the local market and the rest of the products are exported to six European countries. Holding company owns up to 600 thousand birds and it produces 8000 ton meat per year. In 2011 Latvia produced 665.4 million of eggs or by 6.9 % less than the previous year. In comparison it is 323 eggs per one person. Generally the egg retail in the country is rather good although in 2011 the export of eggs decreased and the import on the other hand increased which resulted in worsened balance. The export of eggs to the third countries is almost non- existent as the main export is to the countries of the European Union. The consumption of poultry meat in the country has a tendency to increase each year but the density of the local meat is rather small (40-50 %) because the increase of demand is worsened by the price of the product which is rising together with the price of forage. In 2011 Latvia produced 23 thousand tons of poultry meat or by 0.5 thousand tons less than the previous year. We have to mention that the increase of the poultry meat percentage of the export in the time period from 2009 till 2011 was (+68 %) higher than the import (+ 12%). According to the information of the European Union association for the retail of poultry meat it has been envisioned that the consumption of poultry meat in the world will become more important during the next 10 years. Poultry meat is rather cheap product of agriculture and it is a popular source of protein especially in poor countries. The poultry farms are concentrated in the region of Zemgale where the total number of birds is 2969.3 thousand or 57, 5 % of all birds in total. In the region of Iecava there were 2291, 9 thousand or 77,2 % of all birds in the region which is connected with the modernization of egg production and the building of new chicken stalls holding company ‘Balticovo’ (table 2.14.)
60 Table 2.14. Amount of poultry, thous. Amount of poultry in Amount of poultry per reģions, thous. farm Latvia 5160737 182.4 Regions Zemgales 2969316 647.5 Aizkraukles 1167 25.4 Aknīstes 1857 13.8 Auces 4033 21.7 Bauskas 604277 1272.2 Dobeles 7992 22.6 Iecavas 2291917 26044.5 Jaunjelgavas 4090 19.6 Jēkabpils 4923 13.1 Jelgavas 14185 19.2 Kokneses 2295 18.1 Krustpils 6382 15.6 Neretas 2818 15.1 Ozolnieku 2209 19.4 Pļaviņu 2752 16.7 Rundāles 4158 22.1 Salas 1825 14.8 Skrīveru 910 21.7 Tērvetes 2700 22.1 Vecumnieku 6756 19.2 Viesītes 2048 13.8
According to the data of agriculture in 2010 the least number of birds was in the region of Skriveri – 910 thousands or 0.03 % from the total number of birds in Zemgale. The number of birds in 2010 had a rather significant increase in comparison with 2007 One farm had approximately the increase from 98 birds to 182 birds. The most number of birds was in the region of Iecava – 26044, 5 thousands but the least number of birds was in the region of Jekabpils – 13, 1 thousands. The tendency of decrease was noticed in the small and medium poultry farms in the country. The farms with 10-19 birds are 46, 1 % from all farms.
61 The number of birds kept in small and medium farms also decreases. The farms with 20-49 are 23, 8 % from all farms. The biggest number of birds is in the biggest farms with 50 000 and more birds which is 88, 6 % from all birds. As one of the main drawback in the development of poultry farming branch is the lack of financing for the building of new stalls and its modernization as well as the high requirements for the environment protection and well-keeping.
Table 2.15. Distribution of poultry according of size of farms Number of poultry in Poultry farms Poultry totally, thous. farm Amount % Amount % Totally 28290 100 5160.7 100 Till 5 2769 9.8 11.3 0.2 6-9 4852 17.2 35.5 0.7 10-19 13051 46.1 166.3 3.2 20-49 6736 23.8 180.0 3.5 50-99 697 2.5 42.5 0.8 100-499 167 0.6 27.7 0.5 500-999 3 0.0 1.7 0.0 1000-49999 8 0.0 125.9 2.4 50000 and more 7 0.0 4569.9 88.6
The region of Zemgale is the leading region in Latvia in the number of birds with the total number being 2969, 3 where the number of laying hen is 1756, 5 which is 59, 2 % but the number of broilers is 20, 1 % but the percentage of ducks and geese is only 0,1 % from the total number of birds (table 2.16.).
Table 2.16. Number of poultry in regions In all Regions farms Pieriga Vidzeme Kurzeme Zemgale Latgale Totally 5160.7 1452.1 315.3 169.9 2969.3 254.1 Hens 3460.0 392.7 301.5 159.0 2363.1 243.8 Lying hens 2649.2 296.3 224.1 147.6 1756.5 224.7
62 Table 2.16. continued In all Regions farms Pieriga Vidzeme Kurzeme Zemgale Latgale Broilers 1654.8 1052.6 1.4 1.2 597.6 2.1 Ducks 19.8 2.9 5.7 4.6 4.3 2.3 Geese 11.8 1.8 2.7 2.5 2.7 2.1 Turkey 7.0 1.1 2.1 1.5 0.9 1.5 Ostrich 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 Other 7.1 1.0 1.9 1.2 0.6 2.3 % from all Totally 100 100 100 100 100 100 Hens 67.0 27.0 95.6 93.5 79.6 95.9 Lying hens 51.3 20.4 71.1 86.9 59.2 88.4 Broilers 32.1 72.5 0.4 0.7 20.1 0.8 Ducks 0.4 0.2 1.8 2.7 0.1 0.9 Geese 0.2 0.1 0.9 1.5 0.1 0.8 Turkey 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.9 0.0 0.6 Ostrich 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Other 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.7 0.0 0.9
Suggestions: • From the point of view of the usage of agriculture potential the poultry farming is considered as the significant consumer of the cultivation of crop. • The European requirements are too strict and the following of the demands would cause colossal administrative burden and it does not facilitate the production. • For the farmers of poultry farming – the bird breeders require advantageous state policy which would be directed at the development of poultry farming in the region of Zemgale which in the future could become competitive with beneficial economical conditions to the state and the producers and the development of the branch would provide the country with real and tangible contribution. • The farmers of Latvia are able to create long-term development based on knowledge and technologies as well as the competitive export, provide the consumer with quality and safe food which would raise the quality of life in the region of Zemgale.
63 • The creation of new products with high added value would at the same time boost the retail. • Taking into the consideration the potential of the branches and the development projects as well as the available resources in the region of Zemgale it would be important to develop traditional branches of production. • There are possibilities to develop the branch by adding the breeding and the meat processing of geese, ducks, and turkey. • In the poultry farming it would be of essential need to create seminars, consultations and teaching as it would boost the development of the poultry farming in the region of Zemgale and the country.
64
Izdevniecība SIA “Drukātava”, Reģ. Nr. LV 40003744728 Liliju iela 95/1, Mārupe, LV - 2167 tālr. 67286632, fakss 6728663 e-mail: [email protected]
Iespiests SIA “Drukātava”, digitālā druka
66