Syria - Animal husbandry

Grazing land occupies 8.3 million hectares (20.5 million acres), or about 45% of Syria's total area. Stock raising contributes significantly to the Syrian economy. Between 1963 and 1981, livestock herds more than doubled in number, and since 1975 the number of model farms, veterinary units, and livestock artificial insemination centers has increased considerably.

Sheep are the most important livestock animals in Syria, grazing on poorly developed wheat and barley fields and on the remains of crops such as wheat and corn. In 2001 there were an estimated 12.4 million sheep. Mutton production was an estimated 169,000 tons in 2001; sheep milk production, 483,000 tons. The price of mutton of the Awassi breed, which is in high demand in Syria, was about 35% higher than beef in 1995.

There were also 1,979,000 goats, 837,000 head of cattle, 13,500 camels, 2,500 buffaloes, and 21,200,000 chickens in 2001. Animals and animal products account for 40% of total agricultural output by value. Production of cow's milk in 2001 totaled 1,032,000 tons; cheese, 91,900 tons; butter and ghee, 15,200 tons; and eggs, 133,500 tons.