Continuing a long Kyrgyz tradition, the livestock sector is one of the strongest components of the
rural economy. The sector contributes substantially to the national economy by providing high
value food, income, employment and foreign exchange. There are also significant indirect
benefits which include reduced risks to human health, more sustainable use of arable land and
pastures, access to lucrative markets and the possibility to add value to livestock products. The
processing and marketing of livestock products are also attractive to women.
Available evidence suggests that recent growth in the value of sector output was due mostly to a
strong increase in producer prices and only a small increase in productivity - despite the ample
scope for growth of the latter. Productivity levels are low - number of calves/lambs born per 100
cows/ewes, milk yields, wool output and animal growth rates fall well short of genetic potential
of the current mix of animal breeds and international industry standards. Current levels of
animal productivity are low – due to poor nutrition, the high incidence of diseases, heavy
affliction with parasites, and poor animal and farm management. By correcting these nutritional,
disease and management constraints the livestock sector output can be increased considerably:
• Milk production could increase by 70%
• Mutton production could increase by 50%
• Beef production could increase by over 50%
For maximum