Assessing the potential benefits of technical intervention in evolving the semi-intensive dairy-sheep farms in Crete

A survey was organized to study the semi-intensive system of sheep farming in the island of Crete and examine possibilities of improvement by means of technical intervention. Thirty-nine farms with a total number of 7362 sheep were studied in seven areas of Crete. Various parameters were assessed related to management, flock performance, as well as quantity and quality of milk produced. Ewe fertility, births and lambs weaned were recorded. In addition, milk yield and variables related to milk quality such as somatic cell counts and total microbial flora were measured. Technical intervention aimed at removing non-productive animals of the flock, programming matings, balancing rations, managing grazing more efficiently and preventing diseases. As a result, ewe fertility and numbers of lambs weaned were significantly improved, whereas harvested milk and milk quality were also improved. It is expected that information obtained from this study will enrich our knowledge of the dairy sheep farming systems in the Mediterranean countries and elsewhere. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.