The livestock sector of the Republic of Moldova – livestock, production and consumption

Abstract

The livestock heritage consists of branches of raising and exploiting cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, domestic birds, horses, breed rabbits, as well as the fields of fish farming and beekeeping. The National Bureau of Statistics shows variations in the number of animals in Moldova in recent years across various branches; for example, the number of cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and domestic rabbits is continuously decreasing, while only the number of bee families and pigs is increasing. The reduction in the number of animals and their transfer from farms to household levels does not allow the efficient use of all production indicators and ensuring a high level of efficiency in producing, purchasing, processing, and selling animal products. The main animal products obtained in the Republic of Moldova are based on getting raw meat by slaughtering such animals as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, birds, and other meat animals, and we observe decreases in animal production. At the same time, there are larger and larger decreases each year in the production of milk, eggs, and wool. The FAO organization presents the norms of food products recommended physiologically for an adult human body (on average, per person per year), including 55 food products, classified into 10 groups: bread and bakery products; meat and meat products; sugar and sweet desserts; milk and dairy products; vegetable fats and other types; fruits and berries; potatoes; vegetables; fish and fish products; eggs. The consumption of animal products by the population of the republic (according to NBS data) compared to the amount recommended by the FAO Organization: eggs – 12% above the recommended amount, meat and meat products – 36% below the recommended level, milk and dairy products – 12% below the recommended level, fish and fish products – 59% below the recommended level. Therefore, for the livestock sector, increasing production volume and improving its quality can be achieved only by increasing the number and performance of animals, by using productive breeds, efficient material and technical resources, optimizing the feeding ratio, and regularly distributing investment flows.