Organic meat and milk production potential from small ruminants in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey is a major producer of small ruminants. The ecological conditions are particularly suitable for rearing small ruminants on traditional systems using grassland and indigenous breeds. Production levels per animals are usually low as the productivity of grasslands is poor. Sheep and goat meat and milk products are very popular with consumers. The demand for organic products is now increasing and goat and sheep rearing offers great potential for the production of organic meat and milk.