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Phenotypic characterization and description of production systems of autochthonous sheep breeds in Kosovo

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 June 2014

H. Bytyqi ,
R. Baumung ,
H. Mehmeti  and
B. Fuerst-Waltl
H. Bytyqi*
Affiliation:
University of Prishtina – Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Prishtina, Kosovo
R. Baumung
Affiliation:
Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division Livestock Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
H. Mehmeti
Affiliation:
University of Prishtina – Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Prishtina, Kosovo
B. Fuerst-Waltl
Affiliation:
Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Division Livestock Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna, Austria
*
Correspondence to: H. Bytyqi, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, Animal Science Department, University of Prishtina, Rr “Lidhja e Pejes” 10000, Prishtina, Kosovo. email: hysen.bytyqi@uni-pr.edu
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Summary

Considering about 13.9 percent of total surface under pastures and meadows and big demand for milk and meat, sheep are considered as an important livestock species in Kosovo. Hence, the overall objective of this study was to provide the characterization of autochthonous sheep breeds and sheep production systems in Kosovo. Breed characterization and proper economic management schemes, selection for most economically important traits and best animals in the flock will assist farmers in increasing the feeding efficiency, reproduction and productive traits and thus profit. Including Bardhoka (BAR), Balusha (BAL), Sharri (SHA) and Kosva (KOS) sheep breeds, for a period of 1 year (September 2009–August 2010) the study was concentrated in 20 sheep farms in different regions of Kosovo. The least-squares means show that for milk yield and milk content, breed differences were significant (P < 0.05). The highest average daily milk yield for BAR (0.63 kg) exceeded the milk yield of BAL, KOS and SHA with 0.09, 0.14 and 0.18 kg milk per day, respectively. For milk butterfat and protein SHA ewes obtained the highest rate compared with other three breeds for 9.4–19.9 percent. Milk dry matter among different breeds ranged between 18.4 and 19.3 percent. Voluntary disposal of ewes mainly occurred at lactation 4 and 5. Considering a standard yield at 1st lactation specific to the breeds, the highest production is reached at 3rd lactation.

Résumé

Compte tenu du fait que près du 13.9 pour cent de la superficie totale correspond à des pâturages et des prairies et qu'il existe une grande demande en lait et viande, les moutons constituent une espèce animale importante au Kosovo. Ainsi l'objectif principal de cette étude a été de caractériser les races ovines autochtones et les systèmes de production ovins au Kosovo. La caractérisation des races, la description des schémas de gestion économique les plus pertinents et la sélection des paramètres les plus importants sur le plan économique et des meilleurs animaux du troupeau serviront aux éleveurs pour augmenter l'efficience alimentaire, les performances reproductives et productives, et par là même les bénéfices. L'étude, qui a duré un an (de septembre 2009 à août 2010) et a été menée sur 20 exploitations ovines de différentes régions du Kosovo, a compris les races ovines Bardhoka (BAR), Balusha (BAL), Sharri (SHA) et Kosva (KOS). Les moyennes par moindres carrés ont décelé des différences significatives (P < 0.05) entre les races pour la production laitière et la composition du lait. La production moyenne journalière de lait la plus élevée de la race BAR (0.63 kg) a dépassé de 0.09, 0.14 et 0.18 kg journaliers de lait la production laitière des races BAL, KOS et SHA, respectivement. Pour ce qui est des taux butyreux et protéique du lait, les brebis SHA ont atteint les pourcentages les plus élevés, qui ont dépassé de 9.4 à 19.9 pour cent les trois autres races. La matière sèche du lait a varié entre 18.4 et 19.3 pour cent selon la race. La plupart des brebis sont retirées du troupeau à la quatrième ou cinquième lactation. Si la première lactation est considérée comme étant la production standard propre aux races, la production la plus élevée est atteinte à la troisième lactation.

Resumen

Teniendo en cuenta alrededor de un 13.9 percent de la superficie total bajo pasturas y praderas y gran demanda de leche y carne, ovino son considerados como una importante especie de ganado en Kosovo. Por lo tanto, el objetivo general de este estudio es proporcionar a la caracterización de las razas ovinas autóctonas y sistemas de producción ovina en Kosovo. Sistemas de gestión económica adecuada caracterización de razas y la selección de rasgos económicamente más importantes y sus mejores animales en el rebaño serán ayudar a los agricultores a aumentar la eficiencia de la alimentación, la reproducción y las características productivas y por lo tanto los beneficios. Incluyendo Bardhoka (BAR), Balusha (BAL), Sharri (SHA) y Kosva (KOS) razas ovinas, por un período de un año (09 2009 hasta agosto 2010), el estudio se concentró en 20 granjas de ovejas en diferentes regiones de Kosovo. Los medios mínimos cuadrados muestran que para la producción de leche y el contenido de la leche, las diferencias entre razas fueron significativas (P < 0.05). La producción diaria de leche promedio más alto para BAR (0.63 kg) superó la producción de leche de BAL, KOS y SHA, con 0.09, 0.14 y 0.18 kg de leche por día, respectivamente. Para la grasa de mantequilla leche y proteína de ovejas SHA obtener la tasa más alta en comparación con otras tres razas de 9.4 a 19.9 percent. Leche de materia seca entre diferentes razas varió entre 18.4 y 19.3 percent. Entrega voluntaria de las ovejas se produjo principalmente en la lactancia 4 y 5. Considerando un rendimiento estándar en primera lactación específica a la cría, la producción más alta se alcanza a tercera lactancia.

Keywords

breed characterizationeconomic traitssheep breedleast-squares meanrace ovinecaractérisation racialemoyenne par moindres carrésparamètres économiquesRaza ovinabreed caracterizaciónpor mínimos cuadrados medioslos rasgos económicos
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Genetic Resources/Resources génétiques animales/Recursos genéticos animales , Volume 54 , June 2014 , pp. 163 - 170
Copyright
Copyright © Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 2014 

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