Aspects of smallstock production in Ciskei

Abstract

Levels of sheep and goat production, as well as aspects of the distribution of ownership of pigs and poultry, in three livestock-producing areas of Ciskei are discussed. Findings show low levels of production and reproduction and high mortality rates in sheep and goat production. Only 50% of farmers keep pigs, while practically all households keep poultry. Smallstock have an important potential role in the economy of small-scale farmers.

Die produksie van beide skape en bokke, asook aspekte met betrekking tot die verspreiding en eienaarskap van varke en pluimvee in drie veeproduserende gebiede van Ciskei word bespreek. Die resultate toon lae vlakke van produksie en reproduksie asook hoë mortaliteit in beide skape en bokke. Slegs 50% van die boere besit varke terwyl feitlik alle huishoudings pluimvee besit. Kleinvee kan 'n potensieel belangrike rol speel in die ekonomie van die kleinboer.

Keywords: Goats, pigs, poultry, production, sheep.