Humans domesticated sheep and goat thousands of years before the cow. Initially sheep and goat were the livelihood source mainly for meat, milk and skin and now commercial production is order of the day. Global production of sheep meat is 9 million tons and developing countries are at the top of the list. Consumption of sheep meat is in fourth position after pork, poultry, and beef meat. Dairy products from sheep and goats is about 21 per cent and they make up to 1.3 per cent and 1.9 per cent of total milk production in the world, respectively. Traditionally known health benefits of consuming goat and sheep milk is established scientifically as well. The Asia Pacific region has over 50 per cent of 1.27 billion goats in the world. China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Mongolia have major goat population in Asia, while in case of sheep China, India, Iran, Mongolia and Turkey dominate. In Oceania, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Vanuatu and French Polynesia had the most population of goats. Among the Pacific countries, Australia and New Zealand dominate and there are recent developments in Fiji and PNG. Fiji is also progressing in commercial production of sheep and goat, while PNG it is mainly for livelihood.

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Success Story – Sheep and Goats in Fiji and Papua New Guinea (805 downloads)