Analysis of rearing technology used by sheep breeders in Slovenia
2011
Cividini, A., Biotechnical Faculty, Domžale (Slovenia). Department of Animal Science | Kompan, D., Biotechnical Faculty, Domžale (Slovenia). Department of Animal Science
In Slovenia low and medium production systems are prevalent in sheep breeding. The rearing technology depends on a large number of factors. The main factors affecting the choice of rearing technology are sheep breed, local conditions, season of mating and weaning time. In the present study the rearing technology in sheep breeding was analysed. This analysis included the results of 293 questionnaires from sheep breeders of autochthonous Jezersko-Solčava and Improved Jezersko-Solčava breed. Data were subjected to the frequency analysis, using the FREQ procedure of the SAS Statistical Software (1990). The population size in the flocks of these breeders was mostly from 5 to 50 animals (73.3%). The lambing system is year-round (80%) and seasonal (7.5%). The wanted litter size of 47% of breeders is just one live born lamb. Breeders weaned their lambs at 60-90 days of age or even later. Lambs stayed with their mothers almost till the end of lactation (16-20 weeks) or till the sale to the market when they weighted 30-35 kg. Early spring and summer born lambs stayed with their mothers on the pastures with no supplement. Winter born lambs stayed with their mothers in the stable, fed by hay and supplement (cereals or commercial concentrate). The rearing technology used by Slovenian sheep breeders is sustainable and gives the opportunity for conservation of autochthonous breeds in the original environment.
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