In modern agriculture, the development of sheep breeding is becoming increasingly of greater importance. Sheep breeding is an independent livestock industry. This is a sector that is The livestock industry plays a key role in providing the population with high quality food, raw materials for the textile industry, and also has a significant share in supporting rural areas and sustainable development of the agricultural sector sector.

Sheep's wool is a valuable product that is successfully used in the production of fabrics, carpets, knitwear, felts, etc. Fur products are made from sheep skins. Cheese is made from the milk of coarse-haired sheep. In recent years, more and more attention has been paid to the environmental safety and healthiness of food. And it is sheep farming that is at the forefront of this issue.

If we look at the development of the sheep industry through the prism of animal health and welfare, it should be noted that lamb and lamb are valuable sources of protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins and amino acids, which are essential for good human health. Many farmers use organic farming methods, avoiding chemical fertilisers and pesticides. This helps to preserve biodiversity and improve product quality. Sheep milk has a high nutritional value. It contains more protein, calcium and vitamins than cow's milk. It is also easier to digest and less likely to cause allergic reactions. Sheep's wool is an environmentally friendly and renewable resource. It is used to produce clothing, textiles and insulated materials. Wool has unique thermal insulation and breathability properties. Sheepskin is used in the production of high-quality footwear, clothing and accessories. It is strong, elastic and durable, making it a reproducible material in various industries.

It should also be noted that sheep farming is a climate-oriented farming. Specifically, sheep products have a relatively low carbon footprint. Sheep emit less methane compared to cattle, which reduces the impact on the climate. Sheep can use grazing land, including that which is unsuitable for other types of farm animals. This allows for the rational use of land resources and prevents their degradation. Importantly, sheep can improve soil structure and prevent erosion through natural grazing. They destroy the topsoil less than cattle, which helps to preserve the ground cover and has a direct impact on the climate.

Sheep breeding is a traditional industry in multinational Ukraine, and in Odesa region in particular. The main breed that has adapted best to local conditions is the semi-fine-bodied, Tsygay sheep. Flocks of sheep are a gem of Bessarabia's landscapes. Sheep cheese, lamb, woolen blankets are the hallmarks of the region, which are united around the living tradition of sheep farming and have been passed down through generations from ancient times to the present day.

By the Order of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine of 04 May 2023 No. 234 "On Inclusion in the National List of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine", the culture of traditional sheep breeding in Bessarabia and knowledge related to it in the Odesa region was included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.

The current economic situation on the sheep market in our country is of great importance. Despite the war, sheep farming in Ukraine has not declined, but is developing. Sheep farming is an export-oriented meat industry. Odesa region is the national leader in the number of identified and registered sheep and goats in Ukraine. According to official data, as of 1 January 2024, 255.3 thousand sheep and goats were kept in Odesa region in all categories of farms, including 23.1 thousand heads in 39 agricultural enterprises or 9.1% and 232.2 thousand heads in households or 90.9%. Last year, the region produced 611 tonnes of wool, or 86.7%, and 250 tonnes of lamb, or 140%, of the total amount produced in Ukraine.

According to the breed composition, the region breeds sheep of the Odesa-type Askanian meat and wool breed with crossbred wool, Askanian Karakul, Tsygay and meat breeds of German Merino and Dorper.

Two enterprises - Kara Marine LLC in Izmail district and Niva Farm in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi district - are engaged in the professional cultivation of Odesa-type Askanian meat-wool sheep with crossbred wool, and Askanian Karakul sheep, while Kolos LLC in Odesa district is engaged in the cultivation of German Merino and Dorper meat sheep breeds that are new to our region. These enterprises have the status of breeding farms.

In 2008, Borodino-A, LLC built a modern sheep complex for 5,000 head of Karakul striped sheep in the village of Borodino, Bolgrad district, and installed the largest DeLaval automatic milking unit in Europe, which is the only one in Ukraine with automated milking.

In addition, in the urban-type settlement of Lymanske, Rozdilnyansky district, the agricultural enterprise Kolos LLC is implementing an investment project to build a modern sheep complex for 3,500 heads of meat breeds, worth UAH 15.0 million.

To support the livestock sector in the region, the regional programme for the development of the agro-industrial complex of Odesa Oblast for 2019-2025, Agrarian Odesa Region, was developed and approved, with over UAH 4.5 million allocated in two areas. Regional budget funds.

The further development of the sheep industry in Odesa Oblast is possible if industrial production of lamb and young lamb is established through the construction of modern breeding sheep farms and fattening sites, technological approaches that increase lamb production and improve its quality, and more advanced methods of organising production processes, improving feeding and housing conditions for sheep, which will help to increase not only meat but also related wool and milk productivity. This will ensure the stable development of sheep enterprises based on new breeding and technological approaches, financial support, and market motivation, thereby creating conditions for improving the efficiency of sheep enterprises. In particular, the increase in the number of sheep in farms of all forms of ownership, and the increase in productivity, both in agricultural enterprises and in private households in the region.

Methods of sheep breeding development.

1) Economic benefits. Sheep farming is one of the most profitable types of livestock production. Sheep are easy to care for and feed, which helps to reduce production costs. The high fertility and early maturity of sheep ensure a quick turnover of capital and stable income for farmers. In addition, sheep farming provides an opportunity to obtain several types of products at once: meat, milk, wool and leather.

2) Environmental benefits. Sheep breeding helps to improve the environmental situation in rural areas. Sheep make efficient use of pastures, contributing to their natural regeneration and preventing soil erosion. Due to their dietary habits, sheep can graze on areas that are not suitable for other types of farm animals, which allows for the rational use of land resources.

3) Social significance. Sheep farming plays an important role in supporting rural communities. The development of this sector helps to create jobs, reduce unemployment and improve living standards in rural areas. Family sheep farms are the basis of sustainable agriculture and contribute to the preservation of traditions and cultural heritage.

4) Innovations and prospects. Modern technologies and scientific advances are opening up new prospects for the development of the sheep industry. The introduction of breeding programmes, the use of advanced methods of feeding and animal care, and the use of digital technologies for monitoring and managing flocks all contribute to increased productivity and improved product quality. The development of genetic research allows us to breed sheep breeds with improved characteristics: high meat production, high-quality wool and disease resistance. It is also important to develop the infrastructure for processing sheep products, which will create additional jobs and increase the added value of products.

Modern technologies and care methods The sheep are cared for to ensure their health and well-being.

✅ Veterinary monitoring: the use of carriers and sensors to continuously monitor the health of animals.

✅ Vaccination programmes: development and use of new vaccines to prevent the most common diseases.

✅ Biosecurity: introduction of strict infection control measures, including quarantine zones and regular sanitation.

Modern breeding programmes aimed at improving the genetic potential of sheep. The main areas of genetics and selection should include:

Genomic selection: the use of DNA markers to select animals with desirable characteristics such as high meat production, wool quality and disease resistance.

Crossbreeding: crossing different breeds to produce hybrids with improved characteristics.

✅ Biotechnology: the use of artificial insemination, embryo transplantation and cloning to accelerate the selection process and increase genetic diversity.

Modern feeding methods aimed at optimising sheep rations and improving animal productivity and health. Key approaches include:

✅ Precision feeding: the use of sensors and software to individually calculate rations that take into account the needs of each animal.

✅ The use of feed additives: the introduction of probiotics and enzymes to improve the digestion and overall health of sheep.

✅ Hydroponic fodder: growing green fodder under controlled conditions, which allows us to provide animals with fresh plant material all year round.

Effective pasture management plays a key role in the sustainable development of the sheep industry:

✅ Rotational grazing: the use of a rotational grazing system to improve pasture conditions and prevent soil degradation.

✅ Agroecological practices: implementation of methods that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and improve ecosystem services.

✅ Monitoring technologies: the use of drones and satellites to monitor the condition of pastures and assess land productivity.

Implementation of digital technologies and automation of processes in sheep farming can improve the efficiency of farm management:

✅ Smart farms: use of IoT devices and specialised software to manage all aspects of the farm, from feeding to tracking animal health.

✅ Blockchain: use of blockchain technology to ensure product traceability and improve supply chain management.

✅ Robotics: introducing robotic systems to perform routine tasks such as feeding and milking, which reduces labour costs and increases the accuracy of operations.

The main factors of effective sheep farming at the state and economic levels include:

✅ strengthening the regulatory role of the state in reform and protection
domestic producers;

✅ an equivalent ratio between sales prices and the cost of industrial supplies;

✅ efficient use of agricultural land, fixed assets, and sheep;

✅ introduction of a system of preferential loans for herd reproduction and acquisition
machinery, equipment, sanitary and veterinary products, etc.

 Export opportunities.

Analysing the data of the State Customs Service, we can see that in 2023 Ukraine exported about 600 tonnes of live goats and sheep, which is 42.1% lower than in the same period in 2022. The monetary equivalent for this period was almost $700 thousand.

 Almost all domestic sheep and goats were bought by Lebanon in 2023, and this trend is continuing in 2024. Countries in the Middle East have only just begun to discover Ukrainian lamb, and demand is growing daily. Lamb is one of the few types of meat that is permitted for consumption by representatives of all religions. And while the Middle East is currently our main market, we are already working on the possibility of exporting to Europe and Asia.

Conclusions.

The development of sheep farming is not only economically profitable, but also environmentally and socially important. Investments in sheep breeding contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas, improve food security and strengthen the country's economy. Only by combining the efforts of the state, science and business can we unlock the full potential of this industry and ensure its prosperity.

Modern approaches in sheep farming are aimed at integrating scientific achievements and innovative technologies to improve productivity, product quality and sustainability of the industry. These changes contribute not only to economic development, but also to improving the environment and animal welfare. The prospects for further development of sheep breeding are linked to continued research in genetics, nutrition, health and management, which will allow new heights to be reached in this important agricultural sector.

The sheep industry combines environmental friendliness with high product value. The implementation of environmentally friendly methods and technologies not only improves product quality but also contributes to environmental protection in the face of climate change. This makes their implementation an important element of sustainable development of the agricultural sector and the national economy as a whole.