Sheep production is an integral part of the subsistence crop-livestock systems of Ethiopian highlands and plays crucial role in economic development and poverty reduction. So far, there have been very limited efforts exerted to introduce and promote market oriented sheep production and hence the current income generating capacity of the sector is not at all encouraging. Therefore, reorientation of sheep production systems towards consumer preferences and demands through timely and comprehensive transformation need to be given due emphasis.

The objective of this report is to present data and expert knowledge on poverty and zoonoses hotspots to inform prioritisation of study areas on the transmission of disease in emerging livestock systems in the developing world, where prevention of zoonotic disease might bring greatest benefit to poor people.

This study produces a set of maps and tables that locate significant populations of poor livestock keepers and has broadly assessed how poor livestock keeping populations are likely to change over the next 3-5 decades. The outputs of the study are based on innovative analysis using new global data sets.

The animal science systems group at Texas A & M University (TAMU) has developed a computer based beef cattle production model for use in tropical countries. This model can be used to predict animal and herd productivity under a variety of management regions in diverse environments. Economic analyses can then be made, based on these predictions.