World sheep meat production declined slightly in 2004 to 7.89 million tonnes, according to provisional FAO figures. In China, the world's largest producer, production increased by nearly three per cent to 1.94 million tonnes. The sheep flock is in excess of 140 million but around three-quarters are in flocks of less than 50 sheep. In fact, farmers with five or fewer animals own one-third of the total flock. This fragmentation, as well as the fact that sheep are raised primarily for wool, results in relatively low meat yields and an unsophisticated production sector. Annual per capita consumption is no more than 2kg.
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