An assessment of efficiency and prospects for the cattle sectors in Serbia

Agriculture and food processing are most important branches of the economy in Republic of Serbia and account for 17% of gross domestic product (10.6% agricultural production and 6.4% food processing). In agriculture, 70% of production comes from plants and 30% from livestock. Annual consumption per capita in Serbia is 56 l milk and 38 kg meat products (18 kg of poultry, 16 kg of pork and 4 kg of beef). To obtain a more precise description of the dairy and beef sectors, as well as data for improving zoo-technical and farm conditions for ruminant production, a survey was conducted amongst farmers. A total of 1,180 questionnaires were mailed to farmers whose farms are registered for cattle, sheep, goat or mixed farming production. The questionnaire was divided into 6 sections: (1) general information about the farm; (2) technical and structural information; (3) education and advisory services; (4) perspectives for future activities; (5) sanitary and veterinary information; and (6) zoo-technical aspects. For more than 70% of farmers livestock production is the only source of income. One of the main structural problems which impede efficient development of ruminant production is the small scale of operation. A small property, with a small arable area results in a smaller number of animals being kept. About 37% of farmers have 10 or fewer cows on their farms, less than 20% of farmers have more than 20 sheep, and goat keeping is the least represented sector. Farmers and breeders associations are very fragmented and are not able to support their members in an effective way. About 75% of farmers expressed a positive expectation about future membership of Serbia in the EU, although these expectations are not clearly defined