Riyadh: Workshop to increase farm productivity and reduce ruminant abortions
In a significant step towards enhancing the sustainability of the livestock sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program launched a specialized workshop in Riyadh entitled “Towards More Productive Farms: Reducing Abortion in Small Ruminants.” The workshop brought together a select group of experts, specialists, and livestock breeders to discuss one of the most prominent challenges facing the sector, with the aim of increasing production efficiency and achieving food security objectives.
General context and importance of the livestock sector
This workshop comes as part of the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes the development of the agricultural sector and the enhancement of food security. The livestock sector, particularly the breeding of small ruminants such as sheep and goats, represents a cornerstone of the Saudi agricultural economy and a vital source of meat and dairy products, as well as being an integral part of the social and cultural fabric in many regions of the Kingdom. However, this sector faces numerous challenges, including diseases that affect productivity, with abortion being among the most serious due to the significant economic losses it causes for breeders and the depletion of the national livestock population.
Workshop objectives and main themes
The workshop primarily aimed to raise awareness among managers of large commercial farms, veterinarians, and laboratory specialists about the various causes of abortion, both infectious and non-infectious, and their negative impact on herd health and productivity. Over two days, the workshop included six specialized scientific sessions that analyzed the most prominent causes of abortion in the Kingdom and their effects on public health, particularly concerning zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.
The sessions also focused on reviewing global best practices in sampling programs and conducting accurate laboratory analyses for early diagnosis, as well as strengthening mechanisms for preventing and controlling diseases that cause abortions. The workshop also addressed other aspects of increasing productivity, with participants discussing the latest technologies in small ruminant farming, ways to improve feeding efficiency, and enhancing the quality of healthcare provided to herds.
Expected impact at the local and national levels
The workshop is expected to provide participants with a set of practical and applicable recommendations for managing risks on farms, thereby contributing to reducing the spread of infectious agents and enhancing production efficiency. At the local level, implementing these recommendations will minimize farmers' economic losses and increase their profitability, encouraging further investment in this vital sector. At the national level, increasing livestock productivity directly supports the Kingdom's food security strategy by boosting domestic red meat production and reducing reliance on imports. Furthermore, controlling animal diseases strengthens the public health system and protects citizens and residents from the risks of zoonotic diseases.
This initiative reflects the National Program’s commitment to enabling the private sector to adopt global best practices, improve production efficiency, and reduce operating costs, in line with the objectives of the National Agriculture Strategy and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in achieving sustainable development.
