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

Nikolaos Voutzourakis, Alexandros Stefanakis, Sokratis Stergiadis, Leonidas Rempelos, Nikolaos Tzanidakis, Mick Eyre, Gillian Butler, Carlo Leifert and Smaragda Sotiraki
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Nikolaos Voutzourakis: Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
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
Smaragda Sotiraki: Laboratory of Parasitology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hellenic Agricultural Organization Demeter, Thermi, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 17, 1-27

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.

Keywords: sheep; milk; intensification; fatty acid; subclinical mastitis; gastrointestinal parasites (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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