engleski

The farm model production in Mediterranean Croatia

The models of farm production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia are specific, because they rely considerably on traditional technologies and breeds, respect consumers’ habits, and take care of the environment and its biodiversity. According to economic importance and impact on the environment, sheep production is dominant, followed by cattle production, while pig and poultry production are present only marginally. Autochthonous sheep breeds of smaller body frame are dominant and the main product is lamb meat. They produce from 70 to 300 kg milk per year. Dairy cattle breeders apply moderate levels of production pressure, modern technology and allochthonous genotypes. In beef production, profiling of recognizable types of beef with the principles of organic production in the autochthonous breeds is noticeable. The main food sources for sheep and cattle production are Mediterranean pastures and grasslands, which on one hand partially limit the production, but on the other ennoble the final product. Numerous recognizable animal products are part of rural, gastronomic and tourist offer, and in accordance with traditional heritage, preserve their way of production. Farm production does not disturb ecological harmony of the region, and use of traditional production technologies contributes to it. The awareness of the need to uphold the tradition, and preserve the recognizability, economic vitality of rural areas, quality of the habitat and biodiversity as a whole, is rising. Experiences in animal production in the Mediterranean part of Croatia, point to effective models which combine traditional and new technological experiences in autochthonous breeds, with respect to consumer demands.

animal production ; models ; traditional technology ; Croatia

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