A Model for the Stratification of Dairy and Mutton Sheep Breeds in Middle Eastern Deserts

Abstract

A model is proposed in which desert regions are integrated into the sheep production of more fertile areas of the Middle East. A system of stratification of sheep breeds in which range sheep adapted to desert conditions are mated with high quality dairy and mutton breed rams, and their progeny are transferred for milk and fat-lamb production to intensive farms is set out and discussed. The model is presented in the context of the exploding population and the shortage of animal protein in the Middle East.