PRODUCTION POTENTIAL AND NUMBER OF IMPORTED DAIRY SHEEP BREEDS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Abstract

This paper aims to show the production potential and the number of imported herdbook dairy sheep breeds that are reared in the Republic of Croatia (CRO), as well as the prospects for the development of this production sector. The research included data from research conducted with imported sheep breeds, East Friesian and Lacaune sheep, which are dairy sheep breeds, and Travnik sheep, a combined breed that is also used for milk production in the Republic of Croatia.  In the Republic of Croatia, 2521 breeding valued Lacaune sheep, 75 East Friesian sheep, and 263 bred Travnik sheep are reared. An analysis of the number of these breeds revealed an increase in Lacaune sheep and a decrease in East Friesian sheep, while the number of Travnik sheep is standard. The reasons for the above are numerous and include the weaker resistance and more prominent commitment required by the East Frisian sheep, also the increasing depopulation of rural areas, and the lack of labor, where the majority of sheep farming is located in the Republic of Croatia. This gives the Lacaune sheep a considerable advantage, especially in the continental regions of the Republic of Croatia, rich in fodder. The development of the dairy sector in sheep farming has good prospects in the Republic of Croatia, considering that the demand for sheep's milk has increased, which is accompanied by an increased interest in the purchase of Lacaune sheep, but also that the results of research conducted so far in the Republic of Croatia with Lacaune sheep indicate a high milk yield and good milk quality and adaptability.