Journal of Rangeland

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Livestock husbandry moved partly from traditional to the industrial system with the purpose of gaining more economic benefits and reducing grazing impacts on rangeland ecosystems around the world. This study aimed to compare traditional and industrial animal husbandry from an economic point of view in Maragheh- East Azarbaijan. Twenty-one questionnaires were completed from industrial and traditional livestock husbandry units in Maragheh using a two-stage cluster sampling method. The Cobb-Douglas production function was used to estimate the production function. Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was used to calculate the technical efficiency with Constant Return to Scale (CRS) and Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) models. The results showed that the average efficiency in industrial, the small village and traditional livestock husbandry were 0.705, 0.541 and 0.511, respectively. Fifty-seven percent, of the 21 studied livestock husbandry units showed that their size of units was not appropriate, and they could be economical if their size increase. According to the results, traditional livestock husbandry was less economical due to its lack of livestock breeding, inappropriate livestock keeping places, insufficient knowledge of owners about scientific principles of livestock nutrition requirements, and the existence of common and contagious animal diseases compared to the industrial system. Optimal economic profitability and lower grazing pressure in rangelands can be achieved by the establishment of industrial livestock husbandry units, and replacement of low efficiency livestock with better livestock breeds. Comparing traditional and industrial livestock husbandry systems indicates that each system has its own capability and limitations. Designing a livestock husbandry model using the capabilities of both systems can facilitate a sustainable livestock production in the study area.
 

Keywords: Traditional livestock keeping places, industrial livestock keeping places, economical analysis, technical efficiency, Cobb-Douglas production function.

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