The Al-Jouf grazing center is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The Ministry of Agriculture and Water chose the Al-Jouf area for the center's location, because of its large grazing fields and is the base of several livestock projects. Livestock is an important non-petroleum component of the national income and is a big part of the country's food basket.
About one million goats and sheep graze in the Al-Jouf area. Much of the livestock products are produced in Al-Jouf, considered the largest production area in this field. Several projects are based in Al-Jouf.
Some 400,000 goats and sheep are part of farm projects and officials expect the projects to produce some two million goats.
The center plans to conduct several experiments and studies. The will fence off ten small areas of pasture in different locations to study the affects of climate and environment on the fields. The center plans to carry out experiments on bushes and tress and will prepare a study of the resources and how to best utilize them for the improvement of the livestock.
The center is currently studying how to rehabilitate desert land so that it can grow plants considered a source of good yet cheap food for livestock. A reproduction plan is also in the works and specialists hope to improve the hereditary genes of goats and sheep to prevent disease and improve yogurt, meat, and other products. – (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2000 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
