Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development

Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2016

PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
STUDY ON SHEEP AND GOAT MEAT MARKET IN ROMANIA
Elena SOARE

University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 59 Mărăşti Blvd,

District 1, 011464, Bucharest, Romania, Phone: +4021.318.25.64, Fax: + 4021.318.25.67, Email:
soare.elenausamv@gmail.com

Corresponding author: soare.elenausamv@gmail.com

Abstract
This study is an overview on sheep and goat market evolution in Romania, since 2009 until present. In order to
achieve a more illustrative picture of this market, there were analyzed several indicators, as following: sheep and
goat livestock; realized meat production; average weight at slaughter; average purchase prices for sheep meat;
sheep and goats value exports. Sheep and goat market in Romania had a positive evolution during the analyzed
period. Within this scientific paper there have been used statistical data from the specialized institutions in Romania
and from FAOSTAT. For 2009 – 2014 period of time, one aimed to realize a mainly quantitative analysis. As a
conclusion the sheep and goats livestock is continuously increasing, as well as meat production and export.

Key words: goats, market, production, Romania, sheep

INTRODUCTION MATERIALS AND METHODS

In Romania, sheep and goat farming is a In order to realize this scientific study there
traditional activity. Due to livestock size and have been used, processed and analyzed data
realized productions, Romania occupies an related to: sheep and goat livestock; realized
important level within the European Union meat production; average weight at slaughter;
regarding sheep and goat growing and average purchase prices for sheep meat; sheep
exploitation. Romania has certain advantages and goats value exports. The data were used
which directly contribute to the sustainability to describe in a more realistic way the
of this activity sector, such as: the large area evolution of sheep and goat market in
of meadows; genetic background that is well Romania and they were taken from the
adapted and preserved to local and regional official websites of the National Institute of
conditions; realized productions diversity; Statistics, the Ministry of Agriculture and
reduced energy consumption; existence of Rural Development and FAOSTAT.
some traditional regions of farming and
obtaining productions and so on [1,4]. This RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
activity sector can be analyzed from three In Table 1 one could observe the evolution of
points of view: economical, ecological and sheep and goat livestock in Romania and at
social. Under the circumstances of market regional level. During 2009-2014, sheep and
economy and competitive pressure, the goat livestock had an oscillatory evolution a
profitability of this sector is particularly period to another. In accordance with
emphasized. The profitability is influenced statistical data regarding the sheep number,
by: size of production costs; the existence of our country occupied the fourth place (in
specialized breeds; the number of 2009) within the European Union after the
slaughterhouses and their endowment; United Kingdom of Great Britain and
efficient organization of marketing; the Northern Ireland, Spain and Greece [7].
existence and growth of infrastructure; About 198,729 farmers are raising sheep and
domestic consumption of sheep and goat meat goats and the average farm size is about 16
and so on [6,11]. This activity sector could heads.
bring substantial incomes for farmers in In Romania sheep livestock increased in 2014
Romania in terms of exports orientation and (+4.11%) in comparison with 2009. In
intensification to non- EU countries.
505
Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development
Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2016
PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
Romania’s development regions, sheep Goat livestock recorded a significant growth
livestock recorded different evolutions. In during the analyzed period of time [5]. In
2014, in the Centre Region there was recorded 2014, these increased at national level with
the largest sheep livestock (2,095,670 54.4% in comparison with 2009. Analyzing
animals). On the opposite side, the smallest the development regions, one could observe
sheep livestock registered in 2014 too, was in increases through all the regions in 2014
Bucharest-Ilfov Region (30,707 animals). compared to 2009.
Table 1. The evolution of sheep and goat livestock at national level and by development regions, 2009-2014
(number)
2014/2009
Specification 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
(%)
Sheep
Romania 9,141,482 8,417,437 8,533,434 8,833,830 9,135,678 9,518,225 104.1
North-West
1,393,323 1,335,270 1,330,825 1,372,997 1,406,954 1,610,376 115.5
Region
Center Region 1,785,165 1,856,568 1,931,589 1,991,095 2,047,133 2,095,670 117.3
North-East Region 1,585,477 1,240,359 1,258,352 1,296,866 1,326,483 1,369,698 86.3
South -East Region 1,503,386 1,296,159 1,302,978 1,357,539 1,401,181 1,439,291 95.7
South Muntenia
927,757 788,836 812,676 832,858 864,870 884,112 95.2
Region
Bucharest –Ilfov
26,751 29,445 25,352 27,869 29,043 30,707 114.7
Region
South-West
715,798 600,861 610,385 61,8740 633,858 657,169 91.8
Oltenia Region
West Region 1,203,825 1,269,939 1,261,277 1,335,866 1,426,156 1,431,202 118.8
Goat
Romania 917,304 1,240,786 1,236,143 1,265,676 1,312,967 1,417,176 154.4
North-West
79,685 92,603 90,643 90,714 95,074 105,040 131.8
Region
Center Region 86,645 109,379 105,768 113,241 117,484 125,069 144.3
North-East
128,906 193,379 198,332 202,680 208,919 222,704 172.7
Region
South -East
225,096 307,922 317,218 320,685 328,476 361,683 160.6
Region
South Muntenia
155,493 231,500 224,370 224,604 237,298 251,816 161.9
Region
Bucharest –Ilfov
8,261 7,911 8,935 10,854 11,428 12,877 155.8
Region
South-West
182,734 244,965 235,949 246,666 251,563 270,713 148.1
Oltenia Region
West Region 50,484 53,127 54,928 56,232 62,725 67,274 133,2
Source: [9]; own calculations

In Table 2 there is presented the evolution of animals). The highest density per 100 ha
sheep and goat livestock per 100 ha. This could be observed in Centre Region, during
evolution is presented both at country level 2009 – 2014 where it is reached a maximum
and by development regions. At national level in 2014 (120.2 animals) [2]. At the opposite,
there is ascertained an increase of sheep and the lowest density is related to South-
goats number per 100 ha in 2014 (81.0 Muntenia Region. According to official data
animals) in comparison with 2009 (76.4 at the end of 2012, Romania was ranked on
animals). At development regions level, in the seventh place concerning the number of
most cases, it is observed a growth of sheep sheep and goats per 100 ha. The first positions
and goat livestock per 100 ha, in 2014 than in of this classification were occupied by:
2009. The North-East Region is the only one Greece, The United Kingdom of Great Britain
where there was registered a decrease in 2014 and Northern Ireland, Spain, Portugal,
(82.8 animals) in comparison with 2009 (89.1 Netherlands and Italy [8].

506
Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development
Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2016
PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
Table 2. Evolution of sheep and goats per 100 ha at national level and by development regions, 2009-2014 (number)
Specification 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2014/2009
(%)
ROMANIA 76.4 70.5 72.2 74.6 77.4 81.0 106.0
North-West Region 81.1 75.9 75.5 77.7 81.9 93.6 115.4
Center Region 106.6 109 112.5 116.1 117.2 120.2 112.7
North-East Region 89.1 71.8 76.9 79.2 79.8 82.8 92.9
South -East Region 79.1 71.4 72.4 75 76.8 79.9 101.0
South Muntenia Region 46.7 44.7 44.9 45.8 47.9 49.4 105.7
Bucharest –Ilfov Region 34.7 32.4 36 40.7 55.6 59.8 172.3
South-West Oltenia Region 57.3 51.9 51.7 52.9 56.1 58.8 102.6
West Region 84.3 75.7 78.8 83.3 87.5 88.1 104.5
Source: [9] ; own calculations

Table 3 presents the dynamics of sheep and 2010 (100 thousand tonnes), while the highest
goat meat live production, as well as average one was recorded in 2013 (171 thousand
weight at slaughter at national level, during tonnes). Average weight at slaughter increased
2009-2013. It may be observed a fluctuant from 17kg/animal (2009) to 24 kg/animal
evolution for meat live production obtained in (2013). The lowest average weight at
the analyzed period. In 2013, meat live slaughter was registered in 2010 (16 kg/
production increased with 64.4% than in animal).
2009. The lowest production was realized in

Table 3. Evolution of meat live production and average weight at slaughter for sheep and goats in Romania
SPECIFICATION 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2013/2009 (%)

Total meat live production (thousand tonnes) 104.0 100.0 150.0 107.0 171.0 164.4
Average weight at slaughter (kg/animal) 17.0 16.0 21.0 18.0 24.0 141.1
Source: [11]; own calculations

In Table 4 is presented the goat meat ranking are occupied by the next counties:
production per total of sectors in Romania’s Galaţi (1,003 tonnes); Ialomiţa (891 tonnes);
counties. According to data presented in Caraş-Severin (619 tonnes); Vaslui (594
Technical-Operative Report at 31st of July, tonnes); Vrancea (491 tonnes). Teleorman
2015, the realized production of goat meat (490 tonnes); Mureş (459 tonnes).
was 13,542 tonnes. Bacău county is on the About 23 % mutton and sheep meat is
first position in goat meat production top produced in the South-Eastern Romania,18 %
(2,067 tonnes). The following places in this in the Central part and 14 % in North-East.[3]

Table 4. Goat meat production per total sectors in Romania’s counties at 31 st of July, 2015 (tonnes)
County Production County Production County Production County Production
ALBA 111.0 CLUJ 399.0 ILFOV 58.0 TIMIS 55.0
ARAD 106.0 CONSTANTA 47.0 MARAMUR 95.0
0.0
ES TULCEA
ARGES 203.0 COVASNA 87.0 MEHEDINT 211.0
594.0
I VASLUI
BACAU 2,067.0 DAMBOVITA 273.0 MURES 459.0 VALCEA 280.0
BIHOR 109.0 DOLJ 0.0 NEAMT 192.0 VRANCEA 491.0
BISTRITA N. 395.0 GALATI 1,003.0 OLT 221.0 M.BUCUREST
16.0
I
BOTOSANI 19.0 GIURGIU 163.0 PRAHOVA 426.0
BRASOV 248.0 GORJ 44.0 SATU
96.0
MARE
BRAILA 417.0 HARGHITA 206.0 SALAJ 46.0
BUZAU 36.0 HUNEDOARA 130.0 SIBIU 225.0
CARAS S. 619.0 IALOMITA 891.0 SUCEAVA 331.0
CALARASI 131.0 IASI 335.0 TELEORM
490.0
AN Total -17,216
Source: [11]

507
Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development
Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2016
PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
Realized sheep meat production in Romania’s Cluj (5,452 tonnes); Constanţa (5,405 tonnes);
counties at 31st of July, 2015 is being Călaraşi (5,003 tonnes); Mureş (4,950
presented in table no. 5 in accordance with tonnes); Bacău (4,657 tonnes); Sălaj (4,655
data published by the Ministry of Agriculture tonnes); Prahova (4,397 tonnes). A significant
and Rural Development, sheep meat part of farmers that are specialized in farming
production per total sectors was 100,868 sheep and goats sign contracts with profile
tonnes. Concerning the obtained production, companies. These enterprises take rams and
Tulcea county is placed on the first position lambs over in order to slaughter in conditions
(5,825 tonnes). The following positions in the stipulated by law, afterwards the selling being
biggest sheep meat producers counties are ensured both by supermarkets and shops that
occupied by: Bistrita-Năsăud (5,668 tonnes); sell meat and meat products [8].
Table 5. Sheep meat production per total sectors in Romania’s counties at 31st of July, 2015 (tonnes)
County Production County Production County Production County Production
ALBA 2,909 CLUJ 5,452 ILFOV 35 TIMIS 3,557
ARAD 3,285 CONSTANTA 5,405 MARAMURES 879 TULCEA 5,825
ARGES 2,417 COVASNA 1,035 MEHEDINTI 657 VASLUI 2,210
BACAU 4,657 DAMBOVITA 294 MURES 4,950 VALCEA 1,344
BIHOR 645 DOLJ 103 NEAMT 2,930 VRANCEA 1,589
BISTRITA GALATI M.
5,668 3,978 937 52
NASAUD. OLT BUCURESTI
BOTOSANI 828 GIURGIU 377 PRAHOVA 4,394
BRASOV 3,286 GORJ 402 SATU MARE 3,007
BRAILA 1,924 HARGHITA 1,405 SALAJ 4,655
BUZAU 397 HUNEDOARA 757 SIBIU 1,995
CARAS S. 3,933 IALOMITA 2,243 SUCEAVA 1,961
CALARASI 5,003 IASI 2,571 TELEORMAN 917 Total -140,541
Source: [10]

In Table 6, there are presented average Ron/kg live) and the highest one was
purchase prices for live sheep meat weight registered in 2014 (8.98 Ron/kg live).
both at national level and by development Concerning the average purchase price by
regions, during 2009-2014. In this period the development regions, one could observe a
average purchase prices followed an differential evolution. In South-East Region,
ascending trend from 2009 to 2011. In 2012 in 2012 there was registered the highest
there was recorded a decrease, while since average purchase price (13.0 Ron/kg live).
2013 they started to grow. The lowest price The lowest price was associated with the year
was recorded at national level in 2009 (5.33 2009, in the same area (4.25 Ron/kg live).
Table 6. Average purchase prices for live sheep meat weight both at national level and by development regions
(Ron/kg live)
Specification 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
ROMANIA 5.33 5.38 7.07 6.81 8.5 8.98
North-West Region 4.63 5.65 6.26 6.49 8.45 9.01
Center Region 5.36 5.7 7.9 8.15 9.75 9.64
North-East Region 6.04 - - 3.45 - -
South -East Region 4.25 5.16 10 13 - 11.33
South Muntenia Region 4.85 - 8.72 5.74 8.99 9.44
South-West Oltenia Region 5 4.4 5.17 4.63 10.24 8.58
South-West Oltenia Region 5.33 5.81 12.79 7.27 8.23 8.35
Source : [8]

The situation of economic accounts in contribute to accelerating the development of

agriculture for sheep and goats is being this activity sector.
presented in Table 7. The value at producer’s In our country there is registered an average
price for sheep and goats recorded annual consumption per capita of 3.0 kg sheep
fluctuations during the period 2009-2013. The and goat meat, during 2009-2011. Talking
lack of subsidies from 2011 to 2013 did not about the consumption of sheep meat
508
Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development
Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2016
PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
processed products in Romania, it mainly has required parts, they import from New Zealand
a seasonally character, in Easter Holidays and and Australia. These imports are realized in
autumn period. On domestic market, but also relatively favourable conditions. In Romania,
on the European one, consumers require sheep and goat imports are net inferior to
certain parts (haunch and chops). Because exports [10].
producers are not able to ensure those
Table 7. Economic accounts in agriculture at national level during 2009-2013
Specification 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
Sheep and goats Economic Accounts for Agriculture (current prices – millions Ron)

Value to producer’s price 559.64 615.26 892.29 866.68 864.82

Subventions for products 280.4 - - - -
Value to base price 840.04 615.26 892.29 866.68 864.82
Sheep and goats Economic Accounts for Agriculture ( prices of previous year-millions Ron

Value to producer’s price 441 609.54 679 899.77 692.87

Subventions for products 89.65 305.4 - - -
Value to base price 530.65 914.94 679 899.77 692.87
Source: [9]

According to data given by FAOSTAT, for meat production;

Romania exported 3,126 sheep in 2009, but in -developing some high throughput
2011, the export was reduced to 1,764 technologies specific both to growing areas
animals. Sheep export is significant in and to each breed;
comparison with the goat one. In 2009 there -using carcase classification grid established
were exported 1,590,511 sheep, while in 2011 in accordance with European Union’s
only 1,791,595 heads. standards;
The value of goat exports decreased from -alignment to European Community standards
USD Thousand 168 in 2009 to USD regarding the manner of granting subsidies;
Thousand 126 in 2011. -stimulating the growth of average sheep meat
The value of sheep exports increased from consumption per capita in Romania;
USD Thousand 114,484 (2009) to USD -increasing incomes of sheep and goat farmers
Thousand 166,269 (2011). In 2015, sheep by stimulating sales both domestically and
exports accounted for Euro Million 150. externally;
Nowadays, Romania is on the first place in -exploitation of domestic production on
the ranking of sheep exporting countries European Union market, but also in Arab
within the European Union [12]. Romania has countries;
50% market share. -stimulating the sheep and goat meat exports.
The most significant exports are realized in:
Libya, Jordan, Bulgaria, Greece and Lebanon. CONCLUSIONS
For sheep breeders, exports bring profit,
which provides safety for business. One could Following the analysis of sheep and goat
notice that local sheep market registered market in Romania, there can be observed:
increases since joining the European Union. -an increase of sheep and goat livestock in
In order to increase the competitiveness of 2014 in comparison with 2009;
sheep and goat sector are being imposed the -an increase of sheep and goat number per
following aspects [6, 11]: 100 ha in 2014 in comparison with the
-raising sheep and goat livestock; reference year;
-giving benefits to those who organize -in 2013, sheep and goat meat live production
themselves in associations whose main aim is increased with 64.4% compared to 2009;
to raise young sheep; -average weight at slaughter grew with 41.1%
-improving sheep and goat livestock, mainly in 2013 than in 2009;
509
Scientific Papers Series Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and Rural Development
Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2016
PRINT ISSN 2284-7995, E-ISSN 2285-3952
-average purchase price for live sheep meat
increased from 5.33 Ron/ kg in live (2009) to
8.98 Ron/ kg in live (2014) ;
the exports value is significant higher in
comparison with imports value;
sheep and goat export is mainly realized
towards countries that are not part of the
European Union.

REFERENCES
[1]Cofas, E., Soare, E., 2013, Quantitative study of the
world market of meat, Scientific Papers. Series
"Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture
and rural development", Vol. 13(2):71-74.
[2]Dona, I., 2015, Economie rurală, Editura
Economică, p. 327
[3]Pirvutoiu, I., Popescu Agatha, 2013, Considerations
on Trends in the Romanian Sheep and Goat Meat
Market, 1990-2010, Scientific Papers: Animal Science
and Biotechnologies, 2013, 46 (2):412-417
[4]Soare, E., Cofas, E., Bălan, A., David, L., 2012,
Researches and results about the meat market in
Romania, Scientific Papers, Series I, Agricultural
Management, Vol. XIV (2): 185-192
[5]Soare, E., Cofas, E., 2012, Research on European
Union meat market, Annals of Constantin Brancusi
University, Vol. IX, 288-291, Târgu Jiu
[6]http://www.anarz.eu/AnarzAdministratorSite/CMSC
ontent/Strategie%20ovine%20%5BCompatibility%20
Mode%5D.pdf
[7]http://www.fabricadecarne.ro/in-exporturile-ue-de-
carne-de-vita-si-de-oaie-romania-inca-are-un-cuvant-
de-spus
[8]http://www.fabricadecarne.ro/oportunitati-si-
constrangeri-pe-piata-carnii-din-romania
[9]http://www.insse.ro, TEMPO-Online National
Institute of Statistics, 2016
[10]http://www.macelariaradu.ro/clienti/costul-tot-mai-
ridicat-reduce-anual-consumul-de-carne/
[11]http://www.madr.ro/cresterea-animalelor/ovine-si-
caprine.html
[12]http://politici.weebly.com/export/exportul-de-ovine

510