Maya Alabdala*(1) Safwan Aboassaf(1) Samar Alashoush(1) Basam Alatala(2) and Remal Saab(1)
(1). Socio Economic Directorate, Swaida Research Center, General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(2). Biotechnology Sub Directorate, Swaida Research Center, (GCSAR), Damascus, Syria.
(*Corresponding author: Eng. Maya Youssef Al-Abdala. E-Mail: mayaabdala6@gmail.com).
Received: 02/10/2017 Accepted: 12/02/2018
Abstract
The objective of this research was to study some economic indicators of goat breeding projects and to identify the main obstacles facing these projects in Swaida governorate for the season (2016/2017). To achieve the objectives of the research, an analytical field study was conducted by selecting a random sample of 116 breeders, and a questionnaire was prepared for the purposes of the research. The results showed that the variable production costs accounted about 86% of the total production costs. Feed costs accounted the highest percentage of 58%. The economic feasibility of these projects is illustrated by the following indicators: a decrease in the employment ratio less than one 0.85%, increase in the ratio of revenues to costs which achieved 1.17, positive value of both of net income index and the profitability of the Syrian pound invested which accounted 172640.37 SP/herd in the season and 17.13% respectively, and the total margin which amounted to 316169.54 SP/herd. It was also found that one of the most important problems facing goat farmers is high feed prices and lack of pasture. This study recommends vertical expansion of available rangelands and use of modern technology as water harvesting.
Key words: Economic indicators, Goat breeding projects, Employment ratio, Production costs, Break-even point.
Full Paper in Arabic: PDF