Workshop on Sharing Experiences on Cattle Breeding Activities Among Smallholders
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Cattle breeding in Eastern Europe and Central Asia has a rich history, with indigenous breeds that have adapted to local conditions, enabling farmers to thrive in remote areas. However, the region's traditional cattle breeding practices are often inefficient and rely on outdated techniques. Small- and medium-scale producers dominate the industry, resulting in low production and poor animal health compared to more advanced countries.
Challenges faced by the cattle breeding sector include outdated technologies and competition from neighboring countries with superior infrastructure. The need for modernization is evident to improve efficiency and competitiveness for farmers in the region. In response, the Animal Health and Production Strategy for the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia 2020–2025 was developed, emphasizing three pillars: animal health, animal production, and antimicrobial resistance. The strategy highlighted climate change, gender, and environmental sustainability as crucial factors in achieving sustainability.
Cattle breeding emerged as a major concern in non-EU countries of Europe and Central Asia, where centralized breeding strategies and state support programs are inadequate. Farmers struggle to compete with EU-subsidized production. The absence of critical tools such as animal identification and traceability systems, performance recording, and artificial insemination or genetic conservation programs further hinder progress.
To enhance the effectiveness of cattle breeding, governments should prioritize these essential tools and modernize the industry to meet the challenges posed by external competition and outdated practices.