The National Statistics Office figures released today show that in December the sheep population in Malta and Gozo amounted to 11,697 heads, down by 1.6 per cent over 2011. Male sheep registered a 14.9 per cent drop, while lambs and ewes fell by 5.0 and 1.2 per cent respectively. On the other hand, ewe lambs increased by 3.1 per cent over the corresponding period in 2011.

3,508 heads (30.0 per cent) of sheep were located in Gozo and Comino, which was an increase of 5.5%. The goat population in Gozo and Comino amounted to 1,190 heads, or 24.6 per cent of the total stock, an increase of 10.9%.

70.0 per cent of all sheep were located on holdings in Malta, with the South Eastern District accounting for 32.6 per cent. Over the comparative period, the sheep stock decreased by 4.4 per cent in Malta

Last year 1,392 holdings were engaged in the rearing of sheep. Of these, 78.4 per cent had less than 10 sheep and accounted for 31.5 per cent of the total stock, or 3,685 heads. In contrast, only 21.6 per cent of all holdings had more than 10 sheep, with a combined number of 8,012 sheep, or 68.5 per cent of the total.

In 2012, the goat population stood at 4,847 heads, down by 1.8 per cent over 2011. This resulted from a drop in male goats (-7.4 per cent) and goats that have already kidded (-2.9 per cent). In contrast, kids and goats mated for the first time advanced by 7.4 and 2.8 per cent respectively.

In comparison to 2011, the goat population decreased by 5.4 per cent in Malta. Overall, 3,657 goats (75.4 per cent) were found in Maltese holdings, of which 29.7 per cent or 1,087 heads were located in the South Eastern District.

Last year 839 holdings were engaged in the rearing of goats, of which 86.7 per cent reared less than 10 goats. These holdings accounted for 44.2 per cent of the total stock. On the other hand, only 13.3 per cent of all holdings had more than 10 goats. These holdings comprised 2,706 heads, or 55.8 per cent of all goats.

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