Walking distance and maintenance energy requirements of sheep during mountain pasturing (transhumance)

Abstract

Sheep pasturing has become an important means for landscape management and conservation in marginal areas of mountain regions by reducing succession with dwarf shrubs and bushes, thus creating space for valuable forage grasses. Furthermore, mountain sheep pasturing for meat production also contributes to local food security. However, little is known about the energetic expenditures of sheep during mountain pasturing, which is important information for optimizing the productivity and economic efficiency, environmental aspects (e.g., biodiversity) as well as animal welfare. Therefore, the aim of the following study was to estimate the maintenance energy requirements of ewes over the whole mountain pasturing period (transhumance) considering movement patterns assessed by using satellite-based Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices. Energy requirements for walking increased rapidly at the beginning of transhumance (May - June), which could be explained by the longer walked distance and by overcoming variable altitude during that phase. Walking speed was slower compared to previous findings due to the difficult terrain of mountain pastures on which sheep moved. Energy demand for walking was strongly correlated with walking distance and walking speed. Results out of this study contribute in promoting the efficiency and consequently the rentability of alpine sheep pasturing systems. The latter ensures the production of local food and further preserves the ecosystem services linked to this low-input production system.