Assessment of the Dairy Production Needs of Cattle Owners in Southeastern Sicily
This study was the initial step to determine research, outreach, and management priorities to improve milk production and profits on Hyblean farms and helped formulate Progetto Ibleo. Specific objectives were to establish baseline performance values for production and composition of milk from herds managed under systems based on pasture (Modicana cows) and herds managed under input-intensive systems (Holstein cows), to determine probable forage quality in the region, and to investigate other potentially important factors that are subject to management (i.e., age at first calving, length of dry period, and calving interval).
Forage quality of native pasture in a Mediterannean area
Use of native pastures will support the relationship between quality of dairy products and their origin. The nutritional and chemical composition of individuals species and their mixtures are reported in this paper.
