Economic analysis of intensive sheep fattening models: application of SWOT and Porter’s five forces methods to fatteners in the steppe areas of Algeria

A. Benabderrahmane¹*, N. Souiher¹, K. Souiher¹ and S. Chinoune²

¹Houari Boumediene Sciences and Technology University - FSTGAT - USTHB, Department of Geography and Territorial Planning, BP 32 El Alia,16111 Bab Ezzouar, Algiers, Algeria
²University Ziane Achour of Djelfa Moudjbara Road, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, PB: 3117 Djelfa 17000, Djelfa, Algeria
*Correspondence: benabderrahmanali@yahoo.fr

Abstract:

The present study provides a comprehensive economic assessment of intensive sheep-fattening systems in the steppe region of Djelfa, Algeria. SWOT analysis and Porter’s Five Forces are used in conjunction with advanced multivariate methodologies to create an integrated framework that incorporates economic, strategic, and quantitative viewpoints. Based on a 2024 field survey of 371 farms, three economic models are developed, distinguished by flock size and fattening phase. The results reveal a consistent improvement in profitability with larger flocks: net profit margins vary from 23.81 to 41.88 USD per head, with economic return rates of 64% to 80%. Feed expenses are the largest cost component (43–52%), emphasising producers’ reliance on external inputs and vulnerability to feed price volatility.

A positive and significant effect of flock size and fattening duration on profitability is confirmed by multiple regression, MANOVA, path analysis, and logistic regression, while price volatility exerts a negative impact. Large-scale enterprises benefit from economies of scale and stronger bargaining positions, whereas smaller farms remain vulnerable. The study calls for: (i) targeted support for small-scale fatteners, (ii) the promotion of sustainable management practices, and (iii) the organization of cooperative value chains to enhance regional competitiveness. By combining economic, strategic, and quantitative perspectives, this investigation offers novel insights into the determinants of profitability and sustainability in sheep-fattening systems across steppe environments.

Key words:

economic model, intensive fattening, Porter’s Five Forces, profitability, sustainability, SWOT analysis

MSTN gene polymorphisms are associated with the feed efficiency of fattened lambs in Latvian sheep breeds

I. Trapina¹*, S. Plavina¹, N. Krasņevska¹, J. Paramonovs¹, D. Kairisa² and N. Paramonova¹

¹Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Biology of the University of Latvia,
Jelgava Str. 3, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
²Institute of Agrobiotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies, Liela Str. 2, LV-3001 Jelgava, Latvia
*Correspondence: ilva.trapina@lu.lv

Abstract:

The economic benefit for sheep farmers depends on the level of feed efficiency of the lambs raised. Promoting breed selection for feed efficiency could provide sheep farmers with higher quality and more economically profitable lambs. In livestock production, marker-assisted selection employs genetic biomarkers linked to specific traits. Myostatin (MSTN), a vital transforming growth factor-beta superfamily member, is pivotal in regulating myogenesis and negatively impacts mammal muscle growth and development. The study aims to find molecular markers related to feed efficiency parameters in the MSTN gene for Latvian sheep breeds. DNA extraction was made from blood collected from 76 controlled fatten lambs, with 63.16% belonging to the Latvian Dark-head (LT) breed. A complete gene sequencing analysis was conducted to identify variations in loci across different sheep breeds, aiming to discover statistically significant associations between identified polymorphisms and feed efficiency indicators. Polymorphic variants were identified in 23 loci of the MSTN gene among Latvian lambs, with the discovery of a novel SNP. Notably, SNP rs404916326 T>A exhibited statistically significant associations with indicators such as Residual feed intake, Residual intake, and body weight gain, specifically in the LT breed. Furthermore, SNP rs408469734 G>A showed associations with relative growth rate and Kleiber’s ratio within the lamb group. These findings suggest that SNPs rs404916326 and rs408469734 within the MSTN gene are promising molecular markers for marker-assisted selection strategies in sheep breeding to improve feed efficiency indicators.

Key words: