Moroccan sheep breeders warn Middle East tensions could push up feed prices before Eid Al-Adha

Livestock breeders in Morocco are warning that rising feed costs—potentially worsened by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East—could lead to higher prices for sacrificial sheep ahead of Eid al-Adha.

The concern was raised by the National Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders (ANOC), whose president Abderrahmane Majdoubi said any further increase in feed prices would inevitably drive up the cost of animals sold for the holiday.

Speaking to Hespress AR, Majdoubi said preparations by breeders—known locally as kassaba—are already facing challenges linked to the rising cost of livestock feed.

Allowing ewes to graze in natural pastures can reduce expenses, he said, but that option is not viable for rams destined for sale during Eid because grazing can negatively affect their quality. As a result, breeders rely almost entirely on compound feed and alfalfa.

Majdoubi criticized the continued increase in feed prices, saying costs have been rising by roughly 40 to 50 Moroccan dirhams per month, with the average price reaching about 4 dirhams per kilogram.

He also warned that some suppliers could use international tensions—including developments involving Iran—as justification to raise prices, despite the fact that barley, one of the main feed components, is widely available domestically in Morocco.

Regarding market supply, Majdoubi said sheep numbers remain sufficient nationwide, but the real challenge lies in high production costs borne by breeders.

“Rising feed prices will inevitably affect the cost of sacrificial animals,” he said, noting that the current period during Ramadan is when breeders and traders typically begin intensive fattening operations ahead of Eid.

Majdoubi also pointed to what he described as large profit margins among butchers and intermediaries, sometimes exceeding 30%, which he said further pressures consumers’ purchasing power.

Ibrahim Sahraoui, head of the Loukkos Livestock Breeders’ Association, said sheep prices ultimately depend on supply and demand.

“When the number of available animals is high, prices remain reasonable for consumers,” he said. “But when supply drops, prices rise significantly.”

Sahraoui added that feed prices have increased slightly since the launch of a government support program. While the increase was not dramatic, he said it has still placed additional pressure on breeders in recent months.

He noted that geopolitical tensions could affect feed prices if raw materials used in feed production are imported from regions affected by the conflict.

Breeders in the Ksar El Kebir and the Gharb region are also facing recovery challenges due to difficult weather conditions, Sahraoui said.

Heavy rainfall and cold temperatures have contributed to livestock illnesses and reduced productivity, he added.

Sahraoui also highlighted shortages of hay and other fodder, which have further complicated the situation for farmers.

Despite these challenges, he said the difficulties could still be overcome, though they remain significant for breeders on the ground.