Economic aspect of breeding Karakachan sheep in the lowlands

Stanimira Slavova, Genoveva Staykova

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to establish the economic results of raising Karakachan sheep in the
lowlands of the country. Two sheep farms in the area of Sliven and Burgas were object of research.
The production system adopted was stall-pasture, with feeding in winter and grazing in summer.
Farmers rented pastures, but purchased feed at market prices during the winter feeding season. A
breeding association was in charge to control animal performance and selection activities in the studied
flocks. Based on financial data provided from the accounting of the sheep farms for 2019, the total
revenues and costs, profit and profitability were calculated. It was found that breeding of Karakachan
sheep in the lowlands under the specific conditions of the study was a source of income for the farmers
and a positive balance between revenues and costs was achieved. It was mainly due to the financial
support provided by the state. Positive economic performance on the farms was associated with
increased animal productivity, higher prices of products and the introduction of good management
practices, rather than with lower production costs.

Keywords: Karakachan sheep; profit; profitability; sheep farms; subsidies

Date published: 2021-10-27