Key facts about the industry 2001-2013

Source: adapted from MAAF (2013).

⁴ The cattle meat production figures were calculated from reports on number of cattle slaughtered. Average cattle brought for slaughter is 250kg/head with carcass weigh 48%, therefore the average carcass weight is 120kg/head.

       HIGHLIGHTS

• Cattle and buffalo in Cambodia concentrated in the provinces along the Mekong River, are widely used in the agricultural sector for their draught power and manure.
• Cattle production is primarily based on mixed crop-livestock systems, predominately utilising local yellow breed and Haryana crosses. Very few commercial cattle farms have been developed in Cambodia.
• The commercial market chain, which has been developing for less than 15 years, involves collectors/brokers and traders before animals reach markets.
• Shortage of feed is a critical constraint for increasing cattle production and productivity.
• The processing sector is rudimentary, largely dominated by small scale slaughterhouses.
• Government policy currently focuses on developing cattle and buffalo for draught power – to increase rice production for self-sufficient food consumption.
• Cambodia is a net exporter and a transit country for cattle movement in the Mekong region.
• Unofficial exports of live cattle from Cambodia have reportedly increased in recent years in response to a growing demand from Vietnam. However, the Cambodian cattle industry has to compete with cattle and beef exports from other countries, including Australia.