2023 lamb industry and technology development report in China

China's mutton sheep production has seen steady growth from 2022 to 2023, with an increase in slaughter volume and output, but a decrease in inventory and net profit. The global mutton production capacity also increased during this period, but the industry faces challenges such as the need for improved production organization, disease prevention, and sustainable breeding practices. China's mutton production is expected to continue to grow, reaching 5.5665 million tons in 2024, driven by specialization, large-scale breeding, and technological innovation. However, increased costs and environmental pressures may limit this growth. The volume and trade volume of mutton products increased globally, but the supply chain faces issues such as lack of resilience, food safety, and standardized management issues, and trade barriers. Advancements in China's mutton sheep breeding industry, particularly in the use of nutrition and feed technology, have been highlighted, but there is a need for improvement in feed preparation and the instability of forage supply.