TRENDS IN GOAT REARING IN POLAND AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PROVIDED BY THEM

Currently, goats provide many ecosystem services in Europe. This study analyzed the trends in goat rearing in Poland over recent years, as well as the ecosystem services provided by them. Data was obtained from ARiMR and GUS. A survey was conducted, which enabled the collection of data directly from farms. In the analyzed years from 2016 to 2022, a slow increase in the goat population in Poland was observed (36 percentage increase). In 50.3% of the surveyed farms, 10–50 goats were kept, small herds of 1 to 10 females accounted for 45.7%, and only in 4% of the herds were there more than 50 females. Among the ecosystem services stated by the surveyed breeders providing services in the form of milk/meat obtained from goats were noticed, as well as products from processed milk. A common reason for rearing goats was also cultural services – their companionship and the desire to enhance the attractiveness of the surroundings through their presence. Regulatory services provided by goats are marginally recognized by surveyed breeders.