engleski

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF TRADITIONAL CHEESES FROM LOCAL SHEEP MILK, IN THE BALKANS: 1. IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT OF INDIGENOUS-SHEEP-BREEDS POPULATIONS, 2. ENSURING OF TRADITIONAL CHEESES HYGIENE AND QUALITY (INDI_SHEEP TRADI_CHEESE)

INDI_SHEEP TRADI_CHEESE European project co-financed in the context of the FP7 (SEEERAPLUS-083) gathers 5 research partners from the region. Cheese production represents each geographical area, a fact well recognized via established special labels of origin. Consumers recognize traditional cheeses for their unique quality characteristics and they ask for hygiene certification. The objective of this project is to support the local producers in making safe and certified traditional cheeses from indigenous-sheep-breeds milk. This can be achieved through ensuring (1) the supply of milk and (2) hygiene and qualitative superiority of traditional cheeses. The work plan has been structured through 4 research and 1 management work package. 1. ENSURING THE SUPPLY OF MILK FROM INDIGENOUS SHEEP The reproductive characteristics of local dairy breeds, Pramenka (Ovcepolian, Dalmatian/Lika and Sjenička strains) and Lesvos sheep are going to be studied. I: rapid improvement of productivity by application of AI and MOET programs in order to standardize protocols. II: Determination of the breed’s reproductive profile. Application of natural methods for estrus control suitable for extensive, environmentally viable sheep breeding. 2. ENSURING THE HYGIENE AND UNDERSCORING THE QUALITATIVE SUPERIORITY OF TRADITIONAL CHEESES Four traditional cheeses will be studied (Ladotyri Mytilinis, Sir iz mišine, Ovčo belo sirenje, Sjenički cheese). I. Evaluation of milk quality: microbiological examination and chemical analysis of milk II. Evaluation of cheese quality: microbiological examination, effect of milk pasteurization on microbial evolution, composition of NSLAB during ripening, evolution of pathogens, biochemical analysis of cheese during ripening and organoleptic evaluation of cheese. 3. DEVELOPMENT OF A DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The project will focus on existing populations, threats, description of the different production systems (emphasis on health, housing, feeding, behaviour).

sheep; reproduction; traditional cheeses; indigenous breeds

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