Short communication: Effects of summer rainfall variations on sheep body state and farming sustainability in sub-Mediterranean pastoral systems

  • Paola Scocco University of Camerino. Plant Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Operational Structure. School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine. Piazza dei Costanti 4, 62032 Camerino (MC)
  • Karina Piermarteri University of Camerino. International School of Advanced Studies. Via C. Lili 55, 62032 Camerino (MC)
  • Alessandro Malfatti University of Camerino. Plant Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Operational Structure. School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine. Piazza dei Costanti 4, 62032 Camerino (MC)
  • Federico M. Tardella University of Camerino. Plant Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Operational Structure. School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine. Piazza dei Costanti 4, 62032 Camerino (MC)
  • Andrea Catorci University of Camerino. Plant Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Operational Structure. School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine. Piazza dei Costanti 4, 62032 Camerino (MC)
Keywords: animal welfare, climate change, semi–extensive farming, Apennine grasslands, drought stress

Abstract

In sub-Mediterranean climate the grassland aboveground phytomass production peaks in late spring and drops in summer, when the decrease of the pasture feed value may lead to the worsening of the animal welfare. Our goal was to define the summer rainfall values leading to a decrease of semi-extensive farming system sustainability in sub-Mediterranean regions. Summer rainfall variations reflect in the aboveground phytomass production and on the sheep body state. Differences of body condition score (BCS) among years were significant in late summer, which is the mating period for sheep. In the driest year the BCS of end August drops down to 2.1, largely below the value considered sufficient to ensure the animal breeding/milking performances (2.5). Reduction of summer rainfall greater than 15–20% compared to the normal average value (thus less than expected by the scenario of climate change) might be detrimental for semi-extensive rearing sustainability in sub-Mediterranean climate.

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Published
2016-08-31
How to Cite
Scocco, P., Piermarteri, K., Malfatti, A., Tardella, F. M., & Catorci, A. (2016). Short communication: Effects of summer rainfall variations on sheep body state and farming sustainability in sub-Mediterranean pastoral systems. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 14(3), e03SC02. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2016143-9230
Section
Agricultural environment and ecology