Muscat: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has announced that 289,089 heads of livestock were made available to consumers during January and February 2025. Of these, 267,213 were heads of sheep and goats and 21,876 were cows.

According to Oman News Agency, Eng. Khalfan Mattar Al Sharji, Director General of Livestock, mentioned that the Ministry is coordinating with livestock import companies to cater to the local market’s demands for livestock and red meat in the upcoming period. For this purpose, 129 permits have been issued to firms for importing livestock.

Al Sharji highlighted that the total number of livestock permitted for importation is 359,150. This figure includes 332,700 goats and sheep, along with 26,450 heads of cattle. He noted that the demand for red meat typically increases during the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr, leading to a spike in livestock imports.

To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, epidemics, or common livestock diseases in the Sultanate of Oman, Al Sharji affirmed that veterinary quarantine personnel are actively conducting health checks on all livestock imports around the clock.