Sheep Production on Natural Pastures by Roaming Bedouins in Lebanon

Abstract

Studies have been conducted with 2,589 Awasi sheep belonging to nine family groups having an average of 11 members each to investigate the husbandry practices and production of livestock by roving Bedouins in Lebanon. The natural pasture plants grazed by the sheep were identified and analyzed for chemical composition. The growth rate of lambs and the yield and composition of ewe's milk were also determined in a selected sheep population. The study shows that natural pastoral resources contribute significantly to sheep production by the Bedouins. The traditional methods used under the circumstances do not seem to impede the yield of animal product.