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Added Value of Local Sheep Breeds in Alpine Agroecosystems

Author

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  • Marta Teston

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Matteo Orsi

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Giovanni Bittante

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Alessio Cecchinato

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Luigi Gallo

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Paola Gatto

    (Department of Land, Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Lucio Flavio Macedo Mota

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Maurizio Ramanzin

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Salvatore Raniolo

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

  • Antonella Tormen

    (Centro Consorzi, Via del Boscon, 430, 32100 Belluno, BL, Italy)

  • Enrico Sturaro

    (Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Viale dell’Università, 16, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy)

Abstract

This study is part of a project (Sheep Al.L. Chain, RDP Veneto Region) aiming to improve the competitiveness of local sheep breed farms through valorization of their links with mountain agroecosystems. We considered two local sheep breeds of the eastern Italian Alps, “Alpagota” and “Lamon”, which have a population of 400 and 3000 heads, respectively, and are used to produce lambs for typical products. A total of 35 farms (17 for Alpagota, with a total of 1652 heads; 18 for Lamon, with a total of 337 heads) were surveyed to collect data on farm organization, flock structure and management (farm questionnaire), land use management (GIS approach), and value chain organization (participatory processes). The link between the two local sheep breeds and mountain agroecosystems is very strong: land use is characterized by a large number of small patches of grasslands in marginal areas. Moving from the results of this study, a set of strategies aiming at improving the competitiveness of these systems have been proposed. Communication to the consumers and to the relevant stakeholders of the added value of local sheep breeds in marginal mountain agroecosystems can contribute to favor the resilience of small ruminant farms and the conservation of Alpine sheep breeds.

Suggested Citation

  • Marta Teston & Matteo Orsi & Giovanni Bittante & Alessio Cecchinato & Luigi Gallo & Paola Gatto & Lucio Flavio Macedo Mota & Maurizio Ramanzin & Salvatore Raniolo & Antonella Tormen & Enrico Sturaro, 2022. "Added Value of Local Sheep Breeds in Alpine Agroecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:8:p:4698-:d:793781
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    References listed on IDEAS

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