Development of goat breeding in Ukraine

Abstract

Goal. To analyze the situation regarding the level of the modern development of the goat breeding industry in Ukraine. Methods. Monographic – to generalize the data; statistical — to study the dynamics of livestock and meat productivity; abstract — to make conclusions, etc. Results. The development of domestic goat breeding is significantly slowed down due to the lack of documentary separation of this sphere of agriculture from sheep breeding and its recognition as a separate area of animal husbandry. However, the development of goat farming in our country is quite promising, as evidenced by the increase in the number of goats in agricultural enterprises and growing consumer demand for goat’s milk, cheese, and other produce. In addition, for the successful development of goat breeding, it is important to improve the regulatory framework and provide state support, which would include partial reimbursement of the cost of purchased livestock, providing soft loans for the construction of new complexes, reconstruction of existing farms, etc. In recent years, goat’s milk has become increasingly popular in Ukraine. Its share in the gross milk production of farm animals of all kinds is dynamically increasing and for the period from 2014 to 2018 it increased by 0.37%. However, to effectively manage the industry and increase the milk productivity of goats, it is necessary to create highly productive breeding herds and replenish the breeding base with valuable imported livestock of promising breeds. Goat meat and goat fluff are also important goat products. Conclusions. Goat breeding in Ukraine is an important area of animal husbandry, but now it is at the stage of integration into the country’s agro-industrial production, needs significant state support and recognition as a separate branch of animal husbandry.