A total of 12,172 sheep were recorded last December, while the number of goats amounted to 5,828, representing a decline of 16.9 per cent in sheep and 7.1 per cent in goats, when compared to December 2005, the National Statistics Office reported yesterday.

Sheep

The decline in sheep stocks ranged from a 37.5 per cent drop in lambs to a 6.0 per cent decline in ewes. Furthermore, male sheep and ewe lambs declined by 31.0 per cent and 23.4 per cent respectively.

On a regional level, the total sheep stock in Malta fell by 14.0 per cent and that in Gozo and Comino declined by 22.1 per cent. 33.6 per cent of all sheep are in Gozo and Comino. The south eastern and western districts have 19.9 per cent and 20.0 per cent respectively.

Goats

The decline in goat stocks over the comparative period resulted from a decline in kids (-32.4 per cent), goats mated for the first time (-12.2 per cent) and male goats (-33.8 per cent). On the other hand the main category “goats that have already kidded” rose by 5.8 per cent.

When compared to the survey undertaken in 2005, the goat population in Malta increased by 31 heads (+0.7 per cent), while the goat stock in Gozo and Comino decreased by 475 heads (26.1 per cent). On a district level, 23.1 per cent and 22.9 per cent of all goats are found in Gozo and Comino and the south eastern district respectively.

Structure of sheep and goat holdings

1,368 holdings are engaged in the rearing of sheep. 74.9 per cent of all holdings had fewer than 10 sheep. 25.1 per cent of holdings with sheep have 70.2 per cent of the total sheep stock. These holdings have more than 10 sheep. 767 holdings were engaged in the rearing of goats. 82.7 per cent have fewer than 10 goats with 34.4 per cent of the total goat stock. 17.3 per cent of all holdings have 65.6 per cent of the total goat stock.