A study on the effects of Covid-19 pandemic period on sheep and goat husbandry

[Um estudo sobre os efeitos do período pandêmico da Covid-19 na criação de ovinos e caprinos]

ABSTRACT

This study had the objective of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic period on sheep and goat husbandry enterprises. In the study, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic period on the land use of the enterprises, the status of continuing animal husbandry activities, the purpose of production, the characteristics of combining crop production and animal production, the number of animals in the enterprise and the status of the shepherd, the exit of animals to pasture, the supply and use of roughage and concentrate feed, and supplementary feedings were found to be significant. In addition to the uncertainties experienced, breeders were negatively affected by the quarantine and restriction processes applied in this process. They were particularly negatively affected by the problems encountered in the use of pastures and disruptions in the supply of feed, restrictions on animal movements, closure of livestock markets, disruptions in access to veterinary services and vaccine supply, social distancing, travel bans, restrictions on the import-export of products, rapid changes in the price policies of products and increased costs. As a result, it is seen that the COVID-19 pandemic period had a significant impact on sheep and goat breeding enterprises.

Keywords:
sheep; goat; COVID-19; production; structural characteristic