Turkey's livestock sector: Production, consumption and policies

The Turkish livestock sector has considerable potential and is an important part of the agricultural sector and economy. Livestock constitute approximately 25% of the value of all agricultural production and contribute to the economic development of rural households. The main objectives of this study were to determine trends in production and consumption patterns of livestock products in Turkey and identify opportunities for developing livestock strategies. Seventy percent of the rural farms in Turkey own livestock. Most of these livestock farmers rely on their livestock for income by selling of milk and animals as well as fertilizer for crops. Although livestock productivity has been increasing in the last two decades, the number of large and small ruminants has decreased. Although livestock production has been decreasing, lower income and high consumer prices relative to other countries have not generally encouraged consumption of animal products. Per capita consumption of milk and red meat products has decreased and meat consumption has shifted over time from beef, veal, lamp, mutton and goat to a greater consumption of poultry and fish due to changing tastes, costs and income. Moreover, a further decline in the number of small and large ruminants may also reduce the sustainable potential of Turkey's agricultural sector.