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Diversification of animal species in the hills and uplands

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

A. J. F. Russel
A. J. F. Russel
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Hartwood Research Station, Shotts, Lanarkshire
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Abstract

The options for diversification in the hills and uplands of the United Kingdom are constrained by environmental and nutritional factors to the production of meat, animal fibre or both meat and fibre from deer, sheep, goats and camelids. To be successful, novel animal systems must also produce a commodity for which there is a strong demand and be wholly acceptable as regards both animal welfare and environmental impact. Immediate economic viability is not a prerequisite as levels of support to traditional and alternative enterprises can be changed at any time. Red deer farming and fibre production from fine-wool sheep, Angora and cashmere goats, and guanacos are all considered to be technically possible on hill or upland resources. Fine wool and cashmere have the greatest potential for diversification as they are dual-product enterprises with a balance between meat and fibre which accords with predicted market demands. The realization of the potential of these enterprises will require financial support equivalent to that given to the traditional forms of production if they are to be competitive and constitute realistic opportunities for diversification.

Type
Research Article
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 18: Livestock Production and Land Use in Hills and Uplands , January 1994 , pp. 67 - 73
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 1994

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