The effect of Climate Elements on Sheep Breeding in Diyala Province

Abstract

This paper aims at identifying The effect of Climate Elements on Sheep Breeding in Diyala Province as well as affording an idea regarding their geographic distribution. This study comprised two sections in addition to conclusions. The first section the effect of climate elements on sheep breeding. It is found out that the decrease in temperatures is concordant with the minimum levels required by sheep, but the increase of temperatures especially in July and August is of negative impact on sheep breeding. As for rains, they are characterized by dearth and variation in their levels from one month to another which influenced the growth and distribution of natural pastures plants and their diversity which, in turn, effected sheep breeding in the Province. Furthermore, relative humidity is characterized by decrease in its levels which causes sheep fatigue when temperature is not ideal. Concerning other climate elements as light and wind, they are regarded as important factors in the success in sheep breeding in the Province. Moreover, section two tackled the geographic distribution of sheep in Diyala Province. The supremacy of sheep number regarding the numbers of other animals is so obvious as the total number of sheep mounted up to (569969) with a rate of (64.3%) of the total number of other animals of (886065). Their concentration varies from one district to another. Their highest concentration was in Khanaqeen city center and Qara Tabba in a rate of (8.5 to 11%) of the total ratio in the Province while their breeding concentration decreased in Abi Saida, Hinhib, Al-Salam and Jabbara in a rate of (0.8 to 3.3%) of the total ratio in the Provinve.

Keywords

sheep, climate, Diyala