Development tendencies of deer breeding sector in Latvia
2010
Proskina, L., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia) | Pilvere, I., Latvia Univ. of Agriculture, Jelgava (Latvia)
Deer breeding is a relatively new and progressive sector in the world. Deer breeding in the world has been developed for the past 30 years, though in Latvia this period is twice shorter. However Latvia has enough land areas – both unutilised agricultural areas and forest areas, where deer breeding could be developed, thus promoting employment in rural areas and improvement of the environment and landscape. The research analyses the present situation and development tendencies in Latvian deer breeding sector. Deer breeding comprises four periods of development. The research identifies the main regulatory enactments governing in the sector, and the key coordination and supervision institutions. It was concluded that the Wild Animals Breeding Association founded in 2000 plays a significant role in the deer breeding sector development. In Latvia between 2004 and 2009 the number of deer farms has increased 2.3 times, thus accounting for 70 farms breeding more than 7000 deer. At the end of 2009 the total enclosed areas or enclosures in deer parks were 8873 ha and the increase of deer parks size during the period analysed has influenced the increase of the number of breeding animals. In 2009 the average animal density on one farm in Latvia was 0.8 animals per 1 ha of an enclosed area, which corresponds to the standards of extensive breeding. Applying the intensive approach of deer breeding it is possible to increase the number of deer at least 7 times in the existing enclosed areas, thus establishing a basis for future development of the sector.
Показать больше [+] Меньше [-]