Livestock farming systems and milk production characteristics in some mountain areas of North-West Italy
In: Livestock farming systemsSearch for other papers by L.M. Battaglini in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A. Ighina in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by C. Lussiana in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A. Mimosi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M. Bianchi in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Purchase instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
In some alpine valleys of Italy dairy cows are bred according to more or less traditional breeding systems. This situation determines different degrees of characterisation and specialization in milk production. The aim of this research, carried out through a two-year survey in two different mountain areas of northwestern Italian Alps (Ossola and Sacra valleys), was to identify the reasons for variations in yield and main qualitative characteristics of milk destined to local cheese production (Ossolano and Toma della Valle Sacra). Two different livestock farming systems were considered, the first one called “traditional” management, more oriented towards local resources for feeding and particularly pasture, and the second one called “intensive” management, prevalently based on indoor feeding with a high dependence on external feed. In particular, the indoor wintering and pasture feeding phases were analysed. The results showed that in the Ossola valley the grazing season on alpine pasture seems to have a determinant role in milk fat composition and somatic cell content; in the Sacra valley, season and system have influenced several milk composition parameters too. In the Ossola valley, management problems are often related to the high feed requirements of a particularly selected breed (Brown) and to dependence on external resources. In any case, the adoption of autochthonous breeds (e.g. Aosta Red Pied in the Sacra valley) may help to obtain more adequate milk production although it needs to be supported by good management in a less intensive farming system.