In December 2007, the sheep population amounted to 12,315 heads, an increase of 1.2 per cent, while the goat population stood at 6,227 heads, an increase of 6.8 per cent over 2006.

Sheep – The sheep population in December 2007 amounted to 12,315 heads, representing a 1.2 per cent increase over the same period in 2006.

Over the comparative period in 2006, increases of 22.0 per cent in the number of ewes and 16.9 per cent in the number of male sheep were registered. In contrast, lambs and ewe lambs registered declines of 46.9 per cent and 39.4 per cent respectively.

On a regional level, 8,392 sheep (68.1 per cent), were located on farms in Malta, with the majority in the South Eastern District. The remaining 3,923 heads (31.9 per cent) were located on farms in Gozo and Comino. Over the comparative period, the sheep stock in Malta registered an increase of 3.9 per cent, while a decline of 4.2 per cent for Gozo and Comino was recorded.

Goats – The goat population resulting from the December survey amounted to 6,227 heads, an increase of 6.8 per cent over the 5,828 goats recorded in 2006.

The increase in the goat population over the comparative period in 2006 resulted from a rise in goats that have already kidded (+18.7 per cent), and in male goats (+57.9 per cent). On the other hand, decreases of 35.8 per cent and 19.1 per cent were respectively recorded for first-time-mated kids and goats.

In comparison to the 2006 survey, on a regional level, the goat population in Malta increased by 470 heads (+10.5 per cent), while a decrease of 475 heads (-5.3 per cent) was recorded in Gozo and Comino. On a district level, 29.0 per cent and 20.5 per cent of all goats were found in South Eastern district and Gozo and Comino respectively. Structure of sheep and goat holdings

1,467 holdings were engaged in the rearing of sheep. 76.3 per cent of all sheep holdings had less than 10 sheep, while the remainder had 68.7 per cent of the total sheep. The latter had more than 10 sheep.

851 holdings were engaged in the rearing of goats. 83.7 per cent had less than 10 goats with 36.5 per cent of the total goats, while the remainder had 63.5 per cent of the total goat population.

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