Development, situation and perspectives of the sheep production in Germany

From 1981 to 1990, in East and West Germany the aim of sheep production was quite different. However, in both parts the number of sheep increased continuously. From 1992 to 2005 general conditions became worse resulting in reduced livestock. Free ranging of a flock of sheep controlled by a shepherd is especially affected by this trend, contrary to keeping the animals within a closed area. To time Germany produces 4,5% of the total sheep and goats of the European Union. Contrary, the consumption of mutton per inhabitant is particularly low in Germany compared to other countries of the European Union. The diversity of breeds and the tendency to test various cross breeds increase. Because of the lower expense, a tendency exists to carry out performance tests in the field rather than at station.