Professional paper

IMPORTANCE OF SHEEP HUSBANDRY IN CROATIAN COASTAL AREAS

Zlatka Garibović ; Omorika 15, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Vesna Pavić ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Boro Mioč ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Zvonimir Prpić ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Ivan Vnučec ; Agronomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska

Abstract

The Croatian coastal region and islands have a long tradition of sheep breeding and production of meat, milk, cheese and wool. The economic importance of these products has often changed during the history. Because of their distinctive resistance, ability to adapt and endurance, sheep are dominant livestock species in the Mediterranean. The inaccessible rocky pastures, karst and poor vegetation make them the most numerous livestock in our coastal region and on the islands. The sheep production in Croatia is based on numerous autochthonous breeds with multiple production traits (meat, milk, wool). Indeed, young lamb meat from our islands and Dalmatian coast is the most favourite and appreciated animal food for many people. Nowadays, in those regions, milking sheep is becoming more popular. Milk processing and production of autochthonous cheeses increase the income of family farms, keep the tradition and the identity of particular areas as well as enrich gastronomic offer. Due to higher economic efficiency (ensuring more milk for cheese production), lambs are slaughtered in early age (before weaning), at low body live weight (8 – 12 kg).

Keywords

sheep; Mediterranean; milk; meat; cheese; young lamb

Hrčak ID:

26560

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/26560

Publication date:

31.12.2006.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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