摘要 : Numbers of almost all types of livestock in Russia declined during 1998, the principal causes being the weak financial position of agricultural enterprises, higher maintenance costs, and low ex-farm prices. Cattle numbers fell by ... 展开 Numbers of almost all types of livestock in Russia declined during 1998, the principal causes being the weak financial position of agricultural enterprises, higher maintenance costs, and low ex-farm prices. Cattle numbers fell by 12%, those of sheepand goats by some 25%, and pigs by 3%, poultry numbers remaining fairly stable. Livestock numbers also declined, but less markedly, on subsidiary smallholdings. Although livestock losses were generally less, fewer young stock were bred. The decline in meat and milk production continued, though less rapidly. Drought in 1998 seriously affected fodder supplies. Producers' financial losses on meat and milk production ranged from 25% to 60%. Until August imports were continuing to rise, but dropped sharplyafter the financial crisis. Nevertheless, reduced domestic production makes reliance on imports inevitable in the immediate future. Dairy processing enterprises tended to re-orientate operations towards less labour-intensive products. There was a 4% increase in preserved meat products, possibly anticipating greater consumer demand in the face of inflation. The sharp rise in price of imports stimulated demand for Russian equivalents. Given falling consumer incomes, however, spending on more expensive products is likely to decline. Wholesale meat and milk prices generally rose faster than those ex-farm. 收起