Easy-to-apply classification of sheep production systems is now available

Sheep production systems in the agri benchmark sheep network (click to enlarge map)

Summary table of sheep production systems

Sheep production systems largely differ depending on the available resources (natural, animal and human). These differences create difficulties when implementing farm comparison analysis. In order to provide a comprehensive framework for the analysis, a classification of farm production systems is required.

The classification of sheep production systems was undertaken in several steps and within the scope of our agri benchmark Beef and Sheep Conferences 2013 and 2014. After some discussions it was decided to take a similar approach as for the beef production system classification: using feed rations as the main criteria to differentiate production systems.

The composition of feed rations was analysed for each farm and brackets for the definition of the systems were agreed with the network partners. As a result, four production systems were defined:

Grazing systems

• the quantity of improved or natural pastures represents 60 percent or more of the total dry matter intake of the sheep
• very low amount of purchased feed

Forage systems

• Intake of forages represents 60 percent or more of the total dry matter intake
• Forages are mainly produced on the farm (may be bought if climatic conditions require so)

Grazing and forage systems

• intake of grasses and forages represents 60 percent or more of the total dry matter intake
• rations are based on grass, complemented with forages usually produced on farm

Grains, concentrates and forage systems

• Grains, concentrates and forages account for 60 percent or more of the dry matter intake of the animals
• These systems are found in regions with very dry climate where grass is very poor and cannot provide for enough nutrients

The advantages of this approach are:

• It is a simple, easy to understand approach for all users of the data – producers, institutions, agribusinesses and researchers.
• The results show clear differences of the performance indicators, economic results and cost composition between the production systems as we defined them.
• The production system approach of agri benchmark ensures that the required feed ration information is available – agri benchmark is the only data source which has this information on a global and comparable level.

Further details as well as farm analysis results applying the production system classification are available in the Beef and Sheep Report 2015 which can be ordered from our website:

Order form Beef and Sheep Report 2015