Livestock Farming: Trends, Breeds, and Regional Specialization
Livestock Farming: A Historical and Modern Perspective
Livestock farming experienced significant growth in the latter half of the 20th century, driven by evolving dietary habits. Rising living standards led to increased consumption of meat and dairy products, fueling demand.
For centuries, sheep farming, characterized by transhumance via the Mesta system, held paramount importance. Subsequently, goat and cattle farming gained prominence, followed by pig, poultry, rabbit farming, and beekeeping, often conducted domestically with surpluses sold in local markets.
Market demands have spurred specialization and intensification within farms.
- The cattle population is concentrated in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Extremadura, and, to a lesser extent, the Pyrenees. These regions specialize in meat and milk production, benefiting from abundant natural grasses.
- Sheep farming is primarily located in Extremadura, Aragon, and the rainfed agricultural areas.
- Pig farms, characterized by intensive rearing of thousands of pigs, are prevalent in Catalonia, Castile and Leon, Aragon, and Murcia, as well as Extremadura, where extensive farming practices are employed.
- Poultry farms, consisting of large facilities housing thousands of chickens, are abundant in Catalonia, Castile and Leon, and Aragon.
- The goat population is substantially present in Andalusia and the Plateau.
Historically, livestock was carefully managed in barns or outdoors, utilizing natural grasses. However, current practices increasingly involve housing pigs and poultry, with a trend towards intensive livestock farming systems for enhanced productivity. Technical advancements have facilitated the rise of factory farms, boasting higher profitability. The introduction of fast-growing breeds has also been a factor, often displacing native species. Furthermore, improved health and nutritional control of livestock have been crucial.
These changes have been influenced by several factors:
- The decline of sheep farming is attributed to rural migration and reduced pastureland. The wool industry faces intense competition from imports from countries like Argentina and Australia, as well as the development of synthetic fibers.
- The reduction in goat populations is linked to reforestation of their pastures and the preference for cow’s milk over goat’s milk. However, recent years have witnessed an increase in demand for goat’s milk for cheese production and EU subsidies.
- The decrease in equine populations is due to the introduction of agricultural machinery, rendering them less essential as draft animals.
- A slight increase in cattle populations is driven by increased consumption of meat, dairy products, and leather.
- Pig and poultry populations have increased due to the demand for cheaper meat, facilitated by the expansion of feedlot farming.
- Beekeeping yields honey and wax, products that enjoy a positive business trend.