The gap created by the mismatch between high domestic demand and low domestic supply of halal meat has been filled by ruminant meat sourced from the international markets. However, the exporting countries are still limited due to stringent halal requirements. This study examined the competitive advantage of trading partners in the exportation of ruminant meat. Moreover, this study also identified factors underlying the import of ruminant meat and determined the comparative advantage of local production of ruminant meat. This study employed Vollrath indices through the utilization of relative export advantage, relative import advantage, and overall relative trade advantage. Analysis was conducted on 26 countries and 15 product codes of ruminant meat. The findings disclosed that the possession of competitive advantage did not exclusively belong to traditional sources but to other countries, particularly Pakistan and the Netherlands.

Costly operation contributed by land availability and feed cost hurt the production capacity which has been demonstrated by Malaysia's low self-sufficiently level. The objective of this study is to investigate the competitiveness and efficiency of ruminant farms in Malaysia based on its production system particularly on the aspect of cost rationalization of feed. A total of 29 cattle farms operated under the scheme of Permanent Food Production Park have been surveyed and analysed based on the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) approach. The analysis reveals that the integrated farms were more competitive and efficient as compared to feedlot farms indicated by the ratio value of Domestic Resource Cost and Social Profitability. Contribution/ OriginalityThe findings will provide empirical-based evidence to convince the stakeholders on the importance of having a production system that suits the strength and weaknesses. Domestic production has the potential to be improved if the appropriate production system is adopted. Integrated farming will not only increase Malaysia's self-sufficiency level and correcting the trade deficit but it will also determine whether the sector will become privately and socially profitable or not.