Trends in Livestock Production and Red Meat Industry in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq: A Review

Abstract

There are major changes in livestock production and red meat consumption trends throughout the world, particularly in emerging and developing countries due to various factors. The livestock sector as a source of red meat production has significant potential and an important contribution to the agro-economy development of the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Most of the farm animals are reared in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Mainly, Cattle (6.7%), Sheep (72.45%), goats (20.7%), and buffalo (0.15%) are the most farm animals in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Although The area has vast pastures which can make it capable to make progress in the livestock industry, currently livestock farming is declining and the number of large and small ruminants has decreased meanwhile importing animals from abroad for red meat has increased to meet the market demand. Furthermore, a further decline in the number of small and large ruminants may harm the sustainability of the agricultural sector Kurdistan region in general and in particular Sulaymaniyah governorate. This paper reviews ten years (2009 to 2018) records of slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats in Sulaymaniyah governorate, Kurdistan region-Iraq aiming to determine trends in production and consumption patterns of red meat products in Sulaymaniyah city, Kurdistan region and identify opportunities for developing livestock production industry in Kurdistan region.

Trends in broiler chicken meat production and food security in the sulaymaniyah governorate

“…Per capita (kg/year) supplies from locally produced are grown with an AAGR of 34.86 while the AAGR of imported chicken meat was -16.98 between 2011 to 2020. Similarly, per capita consumption of red meat in the Sulaymaniyah governorate between 2011 to 2018 has climbed up from 4.9 kg in 2011 to 14.9 in 2014, then in 2018 it dropped to 11.8 kg (Neima and Hassan, 2020). These fluctuations are mostly linked to the per capita income in the Kurdistan region and an increase in the price of meat, as it was previously proven that income has an excessive influence on the demand for meat (Abdallaa et al, 2021;Thornton, 2010;Akbay and Boz, 2005).…”

“…Regarding previous scientific research studies and reviews on the trends of meat production specifically in the KRI and Sulaymaniyah governorate, only one study has addressed this topic; Neima and Hassan (2020) studied the livestock production tendency in the Sulaymaniyah governorate. Additionally, there are important findings from some other studies regarding consumer choice and preference (Neima, et al, 2021), and the drivers of meat consumption (Abdalla, et al, 2021) in the KRI.…”

Meat Consumption in Transition: The Case of Crisis Region of Iraqi Kurdistan

“…Before the financial crisis in 2014, demand for red meat was growing by 10% annually, driven by income and population growth (Qadir, 2013). In the Sulaymaniyah governorate, per capita red meat consumption has increased from 8.2 kg in 2009 to 14.9 in 2014, then it declined to 11.8 kg in 2018 (Neima & Hassan, 2020). The average per capita, per day calorie consumption in the Sulaymaniyah governorate is 3,300 calories; this is notably above the central and southern governorates of Iraq consumption which is 2,510 calories per capita (World Bank Group, 2015).…”

Effect of Subcutaneous Zeranol Implants on Meat Quality of Awassi Lambs and Cross-Bred Khalkhali and Abadeh Goat Kids

“…Sheep and goat production are rapidly developing among farmers in the broader Kurdish region in both commercial and smallscale farms (25). Both species are considered the most important farm livestock in Iraq and considered the main source of income for Iraqi farmers (2).…”