Extract: A survey of feedlot farms in Egypt shows important variations in operational characteristics, costs, and returns among regions, different sizes of operation, and management systems. Overall, the degree of feedlot utilization was low, less than 70 percent of capacity. Weight gain per day for local breed was lower than for foreign and crossbreeds (1 to 15 percent). Budget analysis showed that the return to average producers covers variable costs and leaves a margin to fixed factors and management, especially for private feedlots. Differences in farm management decisions, on types and weights of animals entering and leaving feedlots, and types of feed ration had a significant effect on costs and returns to farmers.

Egypt has one of the oldest and most productive agricultural systems in world, yet it has become one of the world's largest food importers. Today, as the Egyptian government undertakes a major agricultural reform program, the lessons of its past practices and current development need to be shared with the rest of the world. This text--written by Egyptian agricultural experts and other specialists--provides a comprehensive introduction and reference to Egypt's agricultural practices from their earliest origins through the 1990s. Topics range from the country's environmental history, to shifting population dynamics, to changing governmental and economic structures. Detailed descriptions of agricultural production and development in the northern Littoral region, the Delta, middle and upper Egypt, and the deserts are also provided. Written for agronomists, historians of the Middle East, and students and policy makers specializing in third-world development and agricultural systems, this work is an indispensable guide to the region's agricultural history and conventions.