Technology changes and livestock development in Asia
1982
Zandstra, H.G. | King, D.J.
Most animal products in Asia are still produced on small farms. Research emphasis should be placed on increasing livestock production of cattle, goats, sheep, and buffalo of small farm households because only domestic ruminants can consume low quality crop residues. Ruminant production on small farms in Asia strongly interacts with crop production enterprises. Farming systems research has been extended to farming systems that include animal production. It has been developed in such a way that the site selection, description, testing, multilocation testing, and production program formulation phases are conducted on local sites. The research priority for increased livestock production is to develop efficient forage crops and by-products based on year round feeding systems. This requires increased collaboration of production economists with crop specialists and animal nutritionists. Research by economists and other social scientists is also needed to determine market opportunities for, and constraints to increased production, input costs and availabilities, and the likely farm household responses to increased livestock production opportunities through modification of farming systems utilized and the use of household time and resources on non farm activities. Research by economists is also needed on the agricutural sector, regional development, and social or equity policies that affect the relative prices of crop and livestock products and factors of production for particular socioeconomic or regional groups of farmers. Agricultural and social scientists must collaborate to realize the full potential of increased livestock production.
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