General Status of Ruminant Livestock in The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

Among other agricultural activities, animal production has strategic importance for a country’s economy. In the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), animal production constitutes 45% of the total agricultural production. In response to the growing population, there is an increasing need for food of animal origin. State hatcheries and many private companies run animal production activities along with small-scale family enterprises. Almost all feedstock of animal feed with parent and hybrid materials are imported. On the other hand, most of the food of animal origins that is marketed (e.g. meat, milk, egg etc.) is produced in TRNC and the rest is imported when it is necessary. Halloumi, which covers almost all animal-based imported goods, is imported into many countries especially Turkey and Kuwait and contributes to the country’s economy. This study concentrates on the general state of animal production in TRNC and aims to present the current state of ruminant animals (66 thousand head of cattle, 197 thousand head of sheep and 78 thousand head of goat) in the country’s livestock farming, their contributions to the economy and the type of their production.