Changes occurring in animal breeding in the settlements of Central Szigetköz

Horváth, Eszter

Keywords: Szigetköz, animal breeding, animal produce, co-operatives, cyclical effects

In my investigations I analysed the characteristics related to animal breeding and the production of animal produce in the agricultural co-operatives of four Central Szigetköz settlements (Ásványráró, Hédervár, Darnózseli, Püski), between 1990 and 2006. I determined that as a result of the changes affecting the whole country, the livestock of the co-operatives being examined was drastically reduced and the range of animal products being produced was greatly cut back. As a result of this, animal husbandry and animal breeding suffered a major loss of importance. Cycles and medium-term fluctuations can be observed in the reduction of livestock and animal produce, which present movements that differ from the changes occurring at the national level and from average tendencies. The results prove that specific, regionally relevant problems and effects appeared in this unique region of the country, alongside the usual economic effects. For this reason, an analysis of the general and unique factors and factor systems influencing animal breeding in the Central Szigetköz settlements, as well as an examination of the effects of the changes in animal breeding, are of the utmost importance. It would be beneficial in the future to aim for: the tempering of livestock reductions; the strengthening and expansion of local economic and animal product producing systems operating in the settlements; appropriate utilisation of the opportunities presented by EU membership; and the realisation of a combination of grass-roots, traditional experience – traditional animal husbandry and animal breeding technologies of Szigetköz – with the new breeding requirements.

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