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Effect of Intensification Practices, Lambing Period and Environmental Parameters on Animal Health, and Milk Yield and Quality in Dairy Sheep Production Systems on Crete

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  • Nikolaos Voutzourakis

    (Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
    School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SF, UK)

  • Alexandros Stefanakis

    (Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Sokratis Stergiadis

    (Department of Animal Sciences, School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Earley Gate, P.O. Box 237, Reading RG6 6AR, UK)

  • Leonidas Rempelos

    (School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SF, UK)

  • Nikolaos Tzanidakis

    (Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Mick Eyre

    (School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SF, UK)

  • Gillian Butler

    (School of Natural and Environmental Science, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 2SF, UK)

  • Carlo Leifert

    (Centre for Organics Research, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia
    Department of Nutrition, IMB, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway)

  • Smaragda Sotiraki

    (Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

Due to increasing demand, many traditional, grazing-based Mediterranean sheep production systems have introduced intensified feeding regimes, increased investments in infrastructure and drug use to increase milk yields. However, compared to bovine milk production systems, there is limited knowledge about the impact of these intensification practices on animal welfare and health and on the quality of dairy products. The aim of this study was therefore to quantify the effects of management practices and environmental conditions background on udder health, parasitism and milk quantity and quality in Cretan traditional production systems. Milk yields were higher in semi-intensive production systems while concentrations of several nutritionally desirable compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids were found to be higher in milk from extensive systems. Antibiotic and anthelmintic use was relatively low in both extensive and semi-intensive production systems. There was no substantial difference in parasitic burden, somatic cell counts, and microbiological parameters assessed in milk. Recording of flock health parameters showed that animal health and welfare was high in both extensive and semi-intensively managed flocks, and that overall, the health status of extensively managed ewes was slightly better. In contrast, environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall) had a substantial effect on parasitism and milk quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikolaos Voutzourakis & Alexandros Stefanakis & Sokratis Stergiadis & Leonidas Rempelos & Nikolaos Tzanidakis & Mick Eyre & Gillian Butler & Carlo Leifert & Smaragda Sotiraki, 2021. "Effect of Intensification Practices, Lambing Period and Environmental Parameters on Animal Health, and Milk Yield and Quality in Dairy Sheep Production Systems on Crete," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-27, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9706-:d:625070
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eleni C. Pappa & Efthymia Kondyli & Kyriaki Sotirakoglou & Loulouda Bosnea & Marios Mataragas & Lynda Allouche & Eleni Tsiplakou & Athanasios C. Pappas, 2021. "Farmers Profile and Characterization of Sheep and Goat Dairy Chain in Northwestern Greece," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Nikolaos Voutzourakis & Nikolaos Tzanidakis & Sokratis Stergiadis & Leonidas Rempelos & Mick Eyre & Ioanna Atsali & Enrica Franceschin & Carlo Leifert & Alexandros Stefanakis & Smaragda Sotiraki & Gil, 2020. "Sustainable Intensification? Increased Production Diminishes Omega-3 Content of Sheep Milk," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, February.
    3. Hannah Davis & Eleni Chatzidimitriou & Carlo Leifert & Gillian Butler, 2020. "Evidence That Forage-Fed Cows Can Enhance Milk Quality," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-15, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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