The Romanov is known as one of the most prolific breeds. Crossbreeding with Romanov sheep has been practiced in several countries of the Mediterranean basin to take advantage of high lamb vigor and rapid growth rates. In Eastern Turkey, crossbreeding of fat tailed ewes with Romanov started in 2004 to increase prolificacy. A synthetic dam, Anarom, has been created using Romanov frozen semen and embryos. Assisted reproductive technology, especially artificial insemination and embryo transfer were applied for accelerating the time for developing dam line and taking secure steps towards the breeding objective using superior genetic with pedigrees. The Anarom dam line was tested in three different regions (Northeastern Anatolia, Southeastern Anatolia and North Western) and two management systems (semi-ntensive/intensive). Moreover, different blood line Romanov crosses were tested and test days for Anarom tasters were conducted. Anarom will give her first lamb not later that 15 months of age. Moreover, she will "twin" lamb every eight months without hormonal treatment. It is a non-regionally restricted dam line (high altitute to sea level, harsh winter to hot summer) and can be managed in all systems but best performs in intensive conditions. Finally, Anarom is a perfect dam line for terminal crossbreesing. Terminal lambs born from Anarom had higher weights and better conformation than most of the other meat type lambs in Turkey and their tast was evaluated as of great importance.

The Damascus goat, also known as Aleppo, Halep, Baladi, Damascene, Shami, or Chami, is a breed of goat with a unique head and mouth shape raised in Syria, Cyprus and Lebanon. It is generally used in milk production. The Damascus goat is a native breed of the Middle East, and it has been raised in big herds throughout the region. Generally, laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) provides a higher success rate than of cervical insemination in goats. However, pregnancy rates with half dose of semen after LAI in goats remains unknown,particularly when frozen-thawed semen is used. In this study, Damascus goats raised in an intensively managed operation with 450 lt milk yield and 1,8 kidding rate were used. French Alpine superior buck frozen semen with 1200 lt milk yield was used in LAI program by splitting frozen semen into two doses and breed two does for reducing cost of semen for establishing acceptable pregnancy rates. Factors such as ES protocols, age, time to onset estrus, vaginal electric resistance at the time of AI, which were known to effect pregnancy rates were assessed. An average 70% of pregnancy rate and a 50% reduction of cost was achieved. Higher pregnancy rates were achieved with does aged between 4-5 years old, vaginal electrical resistance between 190-290Ω and does with onset of estrus 48-50h after estrus treatment. Benefits of LAI include the ability to maximise superior sires for genetic improvement, ensuring that accurate breeding records can be kept, fewer animals required for targeted milk production, reduction in feeding costs and higher milk produced.

Control of reproduction enables the production of juveniles of the quality and quantity required while genetic selection can provide a continual improvement in production efficiency that can form an essential part in maintaining and improving the ability of a business to compete. At commercial level, synchronization of oestrus allows control of lambing and kidding, with subsequent synchronization of weaning of young animals for slaughter. Also, it allows more efficient use of labor and animal facilities. Morever, hormonal treatments can be used to induce puberty in ewe-lambs and doelings. In this study, progestagen sponge and eCG treatment resulted in an extra 6 kg meat being produced per ewe. Moreover, natural progesterone was efficient in induction estrous in Anarom ewes during the anoestrus season. Oral progesterone MGA with eCG was the cheapest and easiset way of inducing and synchronizing estrus in sheep and goats. Finnaly, it was showed that Ideal mothering ability requires at least 15 minutes of time spent for grooming. Overall, production is equal to reproduction in sheep and goat operations. Seasonality of reproduction lowers the rate of reproduction, induces a strong seasonal variation in product availability on the market. Discrepancy between production in farms and consumption by consumers due to seasonality of breeding can be overcome with pharmacological treatments. Appropriate and timely expression of maternal behaviour in the ewe is a critical component in the survival and successful rearing of lambs, and so can have a direct impact on farm profitability.

Dairy products and meat from ruminant animals have conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). CLA has many health benefits. CLA can be increased by feeding animals which changes the rumen environment and the production of biohydrogenation of fatty acids. Diet can increase CLA in milk 8 to 10-fold. We investigated strategies to produce goat milk and lamb meat with higher CLA content to provide new marketing opportunities. A dietary CLA feeding regime increased lamb average daily gains and improved meat colour. Soybean oil feeding had no detrimental effects on protein and fat content of milk. CLA-added diet effectively unfolds the anti-carcinogenic and anti-obesity properties of produced lamb meats. The highest milk CLA content (>1000mg/l) was obtained with 3% SO supplementation started 8 weeks after kidding and fed for 4 weeks. Consumption of CLA-enriched milk could provide considerable benefits for human health. Therefore, strategies to produce milk with higher CLA content provide new marketing opportunities. Different breeds of sheep and goats, and management should be considered to implement CLA enriching feeding protocols. Moreover, farmers switching their production into value added products can benefit more of new marketing opportunities to enable their farm sustainability.

The majority of the world’s goat population is found in the small holding farming systems where nutritional conditions are often sub-optimal. It is usually located at the edge of the forests, inadequate areas for cultivation, steep land and in places that are not suitable for other animal species. The farmers maintain their flock on community grazing land. Thus, the production system usually relies on communal grasslands which are poor in nutritive quality if not improved. We believe that supplementary feeding before mating has positive effects on Body Condition Score (BCS) and reproductive traits. In this study, 24 ewes had lower than 2 BCS. They were fed with 300 gr additional feed during one month before the mating and during the mating. Also, they were fed with the same feeding regime in their late pregnancy period for one month. Moreover, the effects of creep feeding on preweaning growth performance and lambs survival rate of Akkaraman lambs were researched in Nigde province during the lambing season. The traditional lamb rearing farming system lambs were fed only ewes' milk during their first 90 days after birth. The creep feeding continued for 56 days and consisted of concentrates, and ewe's milk and fresh water ad libitum until weaning age. The results of the study showed that additive feeding before their mating season has generally a positive effect on pregnancy, kidding, twinning rate, fecundity, litter size and survival rate. The period from birth to weaning is important for the growth and survival of lambs. Creep feeding can improve lamb production and decrease mortality rate. Finally, additive feeding before mating and lambing has a beneficial effect on the lambing and twining rates.

The basic goal of this study was to alert about the greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) caused by sheep farming and to be ready to adopt each and every step to diminish them by developing a sound management system. The contribution of the small ruminant sector to GHG emissions has been estimated equivalent to 474 million tonnes CO2-eq. These total emissions from the sheep and goat production comprise emissions from production of edible (meat and milk) and non-edible products (natural fibre), as well as emissions from post farm gate processes. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to determine the carbon footprint of different production systems for a more sustainable farming for future reference. Data in this study were collected from 51 small ruminant (28 sheep and 23 goat) breeders in Nigde and Hatay provinces in Turkey. A structured survey (face to face) was used for obtaining the sheep and goat breeders’ views about the climatic change. Age groups were not an effective factor the breeders’ view of climatic change. Education and breeding types have a significant effect on climate change, according to the opinion of small ruminant breeders. Carbon footprint delivers viable labeling for consumer purchasing decisions and, most importantly, rises awareness of the influence of food production in GHG emissions to nature. Media discussion and society's acknowledgment about livestock production and its impact on climate change can help to reduce and mitigate GHG emissions through carbon footprint assessment. Finally, the carbon footprint for depends on the management system, as the grazing system has different value and measurement parameters from the on-farm feeding system.

Ewe productivity as litter weight/year has been used in farm reports to describe management level of farm and also in ranking of the breeding animals. The new index for ewe productivity fits better for animal breeding than earlier used phenotypic measurement. Using of breeding index should increase accuracy and enable genetic gain.In Finland, breeding indices and genomic breeding values are widely used in other species but less frequently in sheep, where only growth and meat production indices have been in use. The inclusion of new traits in breeding evaluation is important for the sustainability of production. Looking at the genetic trends of already available breeding values, it is noticeable that selection is not always based on them. In the case study we wanted to find reasons, which cause the differences in farmer’s willingness to use indices. Farmers felt that they need more information on indices. It turned out that the good knowledge of indices themseleves and their benefits indreases their use. For the farmers, who do not belong to the data recording system, the use of indices is limited and in practice mainly possible only when buying animals. Finally, in selecting breeding ewes farmers want both meat production and ewe productivity in a balanced way. The use of ewe production index has the clearest impact on the farm's economic profitability and animal welfare.This index helps to select ewes of suitable litter size and good milk yield. It can be also used to avoid oversized litters. The index is available for farmers on the internet via ProAgria's WebLammas application. Profitability is improved when the resources used by the ewe are distributed over a larger amount of lamb meat. Also environmental recourses are used more efficiently.

Rasa Aragonesa is a local meat sheep breed raised in extensive systems in Aragón, Northeast Spain. It produces a high quality lamb which is marketed under the PGI label "Ternasco de Aragón". The breed has a well-established breeding programme and an organism that manages the Flock Book, the UPRA. Prolificacy has been managed since 1994. Since its discovery in 2007, the ROA allele has been used to increase prolificacy in Rasa Aragonesa sheep. Artificial insemination is used to disseminate the allele across interested farms. A total of 35 farms with different proportions of allele carrier ewes were analysed in terms of prolificacy, fertility, and lamb mortality. Farmers' perceptions of the effect of the ROA gene on farm results, farm management and overall satisfaction level was also explored. Presene of the ROA gene increased lambs born per parturition by 0.39. Farmers with more than 20% of ROA allele carrier ewes observed that there are more twin lambings than before and that they are earlier, they considered that they sell more lambs and that ROA ewes are more profitable and that with less, but more efficient animals the same production level can be achieved. The ROA alelle has been sucessfully spread across the Rasa Aragonesa sheep population increasing to those farms willing and technically prepared to increase prolificacy. The ROA allele increases prolificacy without increasing fertility or lamb mortality. Farmer management of twin lambings and attention to lambs to avoid mortality are key to make the most of the introduction of the ROA allele in the flock. Finally, genetic management at farm and population level is key to avoid downsides of the ROA allele related to infertility caused by homozygosity.

Sheep carrying excessive parasite burdens exhibit poor weight gains. They may become dehydrated, anaemic, scour and die from parasitic gastroenteritis. Anthelminthics have been used to successfully treat worm burdens but parasite resistance to the treatments is increasing. Resistance is believed to be present on almost all sheep farms in the UK. As the current chemical anthelminthics are increasingly ineffective in managing parasitic infections further solutions to control parasites are required; selecting for resistance sheep is one of them. Salivary IgA has been shown to be a reliable biomarker for Telodorsagia circumcincta (a strongyle parasite) infection. Data was collected for Romney, Lleyn and Exlana Signet recorded flocks to establish benchmarks of performance and investigate the level of variance within and between breeds. In the Romney breed, animals with a high salivary IgA had lower FECs. With more data IgA EBVs could be calculated and included in a selection programme. There were a range of FEC values in the Exlana sheep indicating a level of variation of response. Further work is required to calculate FEC EBVs for Exlana. Performance data was collected for all three breeds. From Lleyn data it could be ascertained that IgA responses were not associated with decreased growth. In further trials IgA responses have been associated with increased growth. The salivary IgA test is simple to conduct and will give a farmer an indication of the level of immune response. The salivary IgA response has a heritability of 0.16 so by developing EBVs that can be used in the selection of breeding stock progress can be made in developing a flock that has a higher resistance to parasitic infection.

Damascus goat in southern Turkey is to start mating in late summer to autumn and kid in early winter and late spring. However, peak breeding season should be determined along with reproductive cycle units such as duration of estrus and estrus cycle. In addition to that best time to mate for higher pregnancy rates should be determined. On the other hand, seasonal aneostrus should be known to investigate best method for inducing estrus in does if doelings can be bred earlier than breeding season. The steps for innovation include i) determining the reproductove cycle in Damascus herd, ii) designing a reproduction management programme adapted to the specific conditions of the herd, iii) evaluating the herd performance before and after the reproduction management. The start of breeding season, the best time for mating, vaginal electical resistance (VER) as an indicator of the best time of mating and the age and weight limits for doelings are important. Reproductive characteristics show a wide range of variation as they are affected by environmental factors. This innovation case study produced reproductive parameters specifically for Damascus goats raised in a specific geography, climate and management system. Specifically, the breeding season is 5 months and the best month is October. The best time to AI is when VER values are 190-290. Similar studies are required to understand various aspects of reproductive life of other breeds of goats managed in different systems. Finally, each enterprise should focus on their own reproductive characteristics of animals to know how can be modulated in economic interest.

For sustainability in sheep and goat breeding, the profitability of farms is essential. A milking machine for sheep and goats will provide longer milking periods and better quality of the product, saving time and labour, thus enhancing the sustainability of the activity. Machine milking and hand milking were performed in two sheep and goat farms (one sheep and one goat farm, each farm consisted of 50

animals) in Nigde province of Turkey. Machine milking had a positive effect on the daily milk production of both goats and sheep. Besides, it is well known that machine milking is more hygienic than hand milking. Machine milking of goats and sheep is rarely used in Turkey. But, it would be more widely adopted by effective demostrations to the breeders. It is more suitable for intensive management systems than for extensive systems. But, a portable milking machine can be used widely in extensive small ruminant breeding with some improvements. Overall, the problems of milking in small rumnant farms were the low milk production of local breeds, the costs of milking machine, the stucture of the udder, the low milk price, electicity, transport and cooling of milk and the habit of hand milking.

This study was carried out in order to obtain the current information about the livestock activities, constituting the main source of income of transhumance, which still exists in the Mediterranean and Eastern Anatolian regions. This system requires a deep knowledge of the land and the availability of natral resources and includes spatial and temporal patterns and ecosystem types. The study was carried out with 60 families who still practice transhumance. Face-to-face surveys were conducted in the transhumance plateaus.A total of 28 questions were asked in the survey. Livestock rearing in the transhumant family is done together shared by all family members. In addition, house work- milking, cheese- and yogurt- making are done by women; routine flock management, such as animal feeding, grazing and shearing, and marketing the products are carried out by men. Children help their family members with these tasks. Transhumants decide where to graze their animals according to the quality of the pasture, plant yield, water resources and animal preferences. They usually do not want to change their routes, although sometimes they are forced to do it due to the opening of new roads and the afforestation

of some areas. One in three transhumants think that their activity does not face any problem. However, extinsion of transhumance (5), insufficient support by the government (8.3.%), highland road status and transportation problems (8.3%), electicity and communication problems (20%) and high feed costs (23.3%) were mentioned. According to transhumants, a sustainable flock size is 250-500 heads. They stay on the plateau for about 4 months and usually do not change their migration dates (90%). Finally, they know well the water resources and pasture plants.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is commited to ensuring the sustainability of the sheep industry in UK. To this end the NSA Next Generation Programme is designed to support innovative, enthusiastic and professional young people. The programme provides training, events, advice and the opportunity to apply for a place on the NSA Next Generation Ambassador programme. This programme aims to equip young people with skills to manage profitable and sustainable sheep flocks, alongside the ability to support and promote the sheep industry. This case study assessed the success of the programme from the point of view of both the ambassadors and the NSA management. Participants in the 2017 and 2018 programmes were interviewed and all previous participants offered the opportunity to complete an online survey as to the effectiveness of the programme.Regarding the 2017-2018 groups access to land was the major issue. Training was the next highest priority for 2017 group, whereas marketing and communication and the use of antibiotics and antheminthics for 2018 group. Both groups recognised the need for improving genetics. It was felt that more effort had to go into product promotion. Finally, both groups placed a low priority on Environment and Wildlife. Benefits to ambassadors include more competence and confidence, better understanding of different systems, peer to peer methods, ability to question own methods, broader knowledge and direct interaction with the NSA. Benefits to NSA include competent farmers and active ambassadors staying in touch and supporting the network and NSA. The NSA next generation programme could be introduced to partner countries. Training should be tailored to the specific sheep industries and ambassadors supported.

With climate change there is likely to be an increase in H. contortus infections in temperate regions. Coppen can be an alternative method of parasite control. It is an important micro nutrient for health but there is a risk of copper toxicity in some breeds. There is less risk using copper oxide wide particles (COWP) at the recommended dose as the form of copper in COWP is poorly absorbed by sheep. Having previously lost 30 lambs to haemonchiosis an organic farmer and his vet wished to trial the use of COWP in Easycare sheep. A total of 488, 8 week old lambs were weighed and those with even tag numbers were treated with COWP, while the remainder acted as controls. Faecal samples were analysed for H. contortus by larval culture every two weeks. Lambs receiving COWP had higher growth rates in the first month but there was no overall difference in the groups over time. COWP are not regarded as effective against other gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN); lambs in the trial had increasing mixed parasite loads. Larval cultures indicated presence of H. contortus in all lambs. Overall, COWP are generally recommended as one of a suite of control measures. If large burdens of other GINs are present the gut pH may change meaning that the copper may not be released from the wire particles. When managing parasites holistically COWP should be used as part of a FAMACHA programme and animals showing some anaemia (score 3) treated with COWP, wheareas any higher scores should be treated with effective anthelminthics immediately. Finally, FAMACHA should not be relied on exclussively as individual animals differ in their presentation of anaemia.

Historically sheep and arable went hand in hand, providing the perfect tool for weed control and soil fertility building. The drive towards intensification after WW2 saw the reduction of such practices. Now the current desire to rebuild soil health is opening the door for their return. But in a time of reclaiming lost knowledge, what are the best ways to proceed? This study aims to assess the benefits of reintroducing livestock into arable rotations from the perspective of both arable and sheep farmers. Two leys were established within a 12 hectare arable field, one with a grass clover mix and the other a herbal mix. Pasture growth rates were recorded as were lamb weights and worm burdens in both the herbal ley and grass clover groups. The outcomes showed that herbal leys have the capacity to provide additional benefits for both soil and livestock when compared to a grass/clover ley. Moreover, leys that incorporate a diversity of species have a greater capacity for climate resilience and soil structure improvements. If managed correctly incorporating livestock can bring in additional income for the enterprise. Livestock and arable is a potential mechanism for reducing reliance on artificial herbicides and pesticides and in turn reducing input costs. Finally, lambs on herbal leys showed improved growth rates and had lower worm burdens. There are a number of challenges that need to be addressed from both sides (arable and sheep farmer) in order to be successful, from compliance and locating a good herdsmen to tenure rights and weather conditions. All of which can be mitigated with the right advice from national advisory boards and good communication on both sides.

Flock Health Clubs were initiated in 2016 by Flock Health Ltd to improve communication and relationships between sheep farmers and veterinarians and to offer the first access to cost effective veterinary services. In return for a monthly subscription paid to their practice, farmers receive access to regular discussion groups with other producers and a sheep focused vet. Resulting in increased sheep expertise and better relationships for both. This case study investigated if sheep farmers are actively getting involved in FHCs, the benefits they obtain and whether the concept has been useful for veterinary surgeons; a total of 15 phone interviews were conducted with vets and 27 farmers surveyed during FHC meetings across the UK. Overall, running a FHC improved the relationships between vets and member clients. The groups should be no bigger than 25 congenial forward thinking people. A practice could host 4 meetings a year on a range of topics reflecting the season, the local issues or sustainability factors, with plenty of time for discussion. Vet practices often selected members and offered them a range of benefits. Membership of FHC increases farmer knowledge and encourages them to be proactive about animal health. Finally, farmers liked the opportunity to develop and exhange knowledge with other like minded farmers and the club vet. FHC members considered and reduced their use of anthelmintics and antibiotics contributing to the long term sustainability of medications available to the industry. Further benefits accrue from FHC members changes in grazing and feeding and from matching of breed to system. The concept of FHCs could easily be introduced in partner countries with topics and learning tailored to the sheep industries in each country.

Curent figures suggest many UK farmers are struggling economically. With future policy changes focusing on the delivery of "public goods" UK farmers need to address how they manage their farms in a more holistic manner. The benefits of holistic farm management and a more "whole-farm" view are beginning to be incorprorated across the UK but adoption rates are low and there is still a lot of disrust in the true value of "holistic". A case study was performed with farmers participating in a Holistic Management (HM) course through 3LM. Then, they could apply for Ecological Outcome Varification (EOV) allowing to achieve to achieve premiums through the Land to Market Scheme. Farmers were asked to provide opinions on the value of participation in HM training. They were also offered the opportunity to participate in a simple sustainability assessment using the Public Goods (PG) tool and invited to comment on the value of the tool. The PG Tool was highlighted as a useful means for developing initial sustainability soncepts without a financial investment. HM training, while worthwhile, requires commitment of both time and money and therefore participants need to be dediacted to achieve the most from the experience. EOV enables farmers practising HM techniques to achieve a financial benefit from their end product but is expensive. Together, the PG Tool, HM training and EOV were considered by practising farmers as an effective means for improving farm sustainability. The financial costs of HM training and EOV provide a barrier / constraint to its uptake but there are benefits to participating in the Land to Market programme. The PG tool provides an intial sustainability assessment and platform for discussion without cost.

Productivity of livestock production flunctuates due to lack of proper data recording systems. Measuring outputs of the farm operations is not done properly, hence there is very limited analysis and almost no optimisation. The larger the flock becomes the harder it gets to optimise the operations, labor and feed ration. This innovation combines cloud, IoT technologies and farming practices, and explores technological opportunities to improve production efficiency in intensive sheep farming for lamb production. Mobile Sheep Manager Software (M-SMS) provides labor savings and facilitates the collection of more accurate biometric data, reduces the stress on the animals by minimizing animal movement and confinement in yards, facilitates increased frequency of livestock monitoring, improves animal welfare through earlier detection of risk situations. Users can easily use "point and click" solution to keep legislative records, attain operational quidance, build flock performance data, get supports for purchase, cull or breed decisions based on targets of flock performance. Also, the system detects alerts occuring in the farm and suggests for troubleshooting. In a case study performed in an intensive meat sheep farm for two years the use of M-SMS resulted in: 1) reduced neonatal mortality from 13% to 5%; 2) increased reproductive success by 20% in 3 lambings 2 years; 3) reduced barren ewes ratio from 10% to 3%; 4) reduced feed cost by 23%.

In 2018, a survey was conducted in the countries of the European project SheepNet (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Romania, Tukrey and Hungary) to evaluate how sheep farmers view the electronic identification (EID); 1148 surveys were collected. The majority of farmers (64%) perceive electronic identification as an opportunity for sheep farming. Despite a favourable context, to date, only 38% of the European farmers surveyed are equipped with tools enabling the benefits of EID. Overall, dairy farms are better equipped than meat farms. Four equipped farming profiles were identified in the study: 1) farmers equipped with an EID reader combined with a farm management software; 2) farmers equipped with both an EID reader and an EID equipment; 3) Farmers with only an EID reader; 4) Farmers with only an EID equipment. An almost linear relationship exists between equipment level and flock size. The greater the number of ewes on the farm, the more the farmer will choose to equip himself with precision farming tools; from 500 ewes, 75% of the farms have an equipment that utilises EID. The main obstacle remains the high cost of the different EID readers/equipments. Flock size ranks second and can be related to the cost/benefit of the investment. To date the benefits of electronic edntification remain limited to the management of animal movement. To promote a better use of the latter, a cost/benefit of investments approach should be carried out as well as a better communication on the possible benefits.

Dairy goat production systems in developed countries are experiencing an intensification process in terms of higher farm size, electronic identification, reproductive intensification, genetic selection and milking automation. This new situation generates "big data" that can be used to aid farmers during the decision making process. Precision livestock farming and individual data management technologies offer a great opportunity to optimise farm management. The ESCARDILLO tool is a new technology aiming to optimise farm management by making use of "big data" generated in dairy goat farms. It takes on 3 principles: i) systematic individual data recording (e.g. milking control, productivity, genetic merit, morphology), ii) big data processing and interpretation, iii) interactive feedback to the farmer to optimise farm management. The tool was evaluated by monitoring the productive parameters from 2013 to 2016 of 12 Murciano-Granadina farms using ESCARDILLO, and 12 not using it. Farms using the tool were able to better monitor the productivity and physiological stage of each animal helping farmers to make better breeding, replacement and culling decisions. The case study revealed an accelaration in the milk yield in farms using the tool; +26kg/lactation/year in comparison to farms not using it (+6.1). Moreover, farms decreased their unproductive periods such as the first partum age (-30 days), and the dry period length (-20 days) without negatively affecting milk yield per lactation. For the successful implementation of this technology there is a need of well established breeding programmes with individual records, continuous milk monitoring, constant inputs from the farmer and technical support from the breeding association.

Sheep and goat transhumance is still practiced in most parts of Greece and accounts for almost 7.5% of the national flock. The milk produced by such flocks in summer is of premium quality due to grazing in mountainous grasslands from April/May to September/October. However, it is not rewarded in markets up to its true potential. The absence of local infrastructure for milk processing forces farmers to sell their milk to dairies in the lowlands, which mix this milk with that produced in other farms. A certified transhumance-specific dairy product could be an important innovation in Greece. Three uses of transhumance summer milk and interviews with three farms and two dairies were performed; approach 1-the study farm sells milk to the same industry throughout the year; approach 2-the farm sells milk to a small dairy in the highlands which operates only in summer and cheese is produced solely from milk of transhumant flocks; approach 3-in summer animals graze on top of the mountain and the farmer produces local cheeses using traditional know-how and sells directly to consumers. The financial results are best in approach 2 as it requires less labor. The additional labor wage that a farmer can ensure by adopting alternative marketing and joining short supply chains is 9.8 euros/h. Short value chains pertain to transhumance semi-extensive production patter. The economic perfromance of each choice is heavily dependent on farm management decisions and less on market unpredictable conditions. A combination of approaches can increase economic performance and diminish uncertainty. Investment on quality and marketing strategies building on 'true' quality and culture features may provide efficient responses to farmers in this time of low market prices.

Individual recording for animal management involves monitoring of each animal's performance and use of that information, in normal day-to-day farm management. Keeping records of milk yield and composition helps farmers make more accurate decisions on breeding management and feeding practices. Individual data recording was introduced in 18 dairy sheep farms in Greece; individual milk yield recording on a monthly basis with portable milk meters, milk samples for fat and protein content and somatic cell counts and recording of udder morphology traits. During a two-year period, husbandry experts advised the farmers for the management of the data and their animals (grouping and culling strategy, nutrition plans, etc.) All farmers received an annual report at the end of each milking period with the individual records. Individual recordings resulted in greater milk yield, reduction in production cost, better feeding management and diagnosis of subclinical mastitis. Farmers saved at least 21 euros per low-productive ewe annually, due to the more rational provision of feed. Moreover, by culling the less productive ewes as earlier as possible, farmers produced on average 22% more milk, by milking on average 28% less ewes, compared to previous years.Keeping replacements from the most productive ewes with the better udder morphology will enhance the sustainability and genetic improvement of the flock. Finally, farmers realised the benefits of collaborating with experienced husbandry consultants for the management and interpretation of the recorded data and are willing to continue collecting data after the end of the project.