Considering shortage of red meat production in meeting consumption
needs in Egypt, the study aimed at investigating the development potentials
for sheep breading activities as a possible tool for confronting such problem.
The study relied on analysis of data generated through a sample field survey
of variant breeders in Dakahlia govrnorate (2000/2001). Analysis revealed the
specialized farms as the most efficient where net revenue per head in
average was in range of 120-222% of the corresponding estimates for
traditional farms and sheep shepherd. On other hand, specialized farms of size reaching 60 heads were hardly
more economically efficient than those of less than half that size. Hence,
establishing farms of more than so heads cach is uncalled for economic
wise. Moreover production promotion possibilities depend upon additional
application of dried feeds for specialized farms and green fodder for
traditional farms. The study also revealed the economic superiority of sheep
breading, especially under specialized activated, upon other having activities
as well as saving returns in commercial banks. however, such activity may
be more efficient with selection of higher productive breads more credit
facilities and expansion of non traditional feeds production based on farms
residues.