ABSTRACT
Food security is becoming an important issue throughout the world especially in the developing countries. Meat and milk are the main sources of animal protein being rich in essential amino acids and other nutrients required for normal growth and human health. Dairy and meat production is constrained by many factors including mainly
Desert Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. *Corresponding author: samirabouelezz@hotmail.com
the genetic and environmental factors such as the scarcity and poor quality of feed resources and adverse climatic conditions which lead to frequent and extended drought periods. Halophytic plant and salt-tolerant fodder species can offer a range of nutrients for animals; provide a valuable reserve feed for grazing animals particularly under drought conditions or fi ll regular gaps in feed supply caused by seasonal conditions. In arid and semi-arid countries, sheep, goats and camels are generally accepted as valuable meat and milk-producing animals in the marginal areas. Their wool is used for making tents, rugs and other handmade products in most local communities, so producing good quality wool can improve the economic value of this raw material. The improvement in textiles and other handmade products leads in turn to higher income and better livelihoods.
