A proposed novel breeding system for intensively reared dairy flocks

Abstract

Dairy sheep production is an important industry in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. The traditional system of lambing once a year, as well as the size of the flocks and the extended lactation period has been an obstacle to implement accelerated breeding systems that could capitalise on the full potential of the ewe (Fahmy and Lavallee, 1990). The objective of this study was to develop a management system which combines an accelerated breeding scheme and grouping of ewes in relation to their milk yield, for large, intensively reared, dairy flocks.