Feeding system of sheep in a mountainous area of Greece

The objective of this study was to describe and evaluate the feeding system of milking sheep in a typical mountainous area (Feneos of Korinthos, Greece), which comprises eight village communities. In this area, 23 000 sheep and 10000 goats are kept under an extensive livestock farming system and a semi-intensive feeding system. Available pasture, cultivated land and meadows comprise 16 800 ha, 4540 ha and 443 ha, respectively. Sheep graze throughout the year but herbage intake is sufficient to meet the animals' requirements only from April to June. During the summer, sheep graze cereal stubble and other crop residues left after harvesting. From October to March, animals are provided with concentrates and roughages. All of the roughages and part of the concentrates are farm grown. On an annual basis, concentrates, roughages and ingested herbage from grazing contribute 36%, 26% and 38% of total energy requirements, respectively, whereas supplementary feed only exceeds the animals' CP requirements. During winter the nutrient requirements of the sheep are not met, consequently animals lose weight (BC score 1.5 – 2.5), but this is restored in the spring when there is usually plenty of grass. The rations fed during winter are not properly balanced, and there is usually an energy deficit and a protein surplus. No mineral supplements are fed, and some (about 18%) sheep suffer from subclinical Zn and Se deficiencies. It is concluded that the genetic potential of the sheep, under the feeding system of a typical mountain management region, has not been reached. Costs and benefits of supplementation need careful evaluation.