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).
Composition of Ragusano Cheese During Aging
The objectives of this research were to determine the average initial chemical composition (before brining) of traditionally produced Ragusano cheese and the changes in chemical composition that occur during aging and to determine the variation in chemical composition within a block of cheese induced by brine salting and aging without packaging.
