Schafrassen in den Alpen - Alpine-space.org

Seite 1-20.9. 20.09.2005 21:29 Uhr Seite 3
INTRODUCTION
Alpinet Gheep A network for sheep and goat breeds from the Alpine region
INTERREG III B, a programme for the Alpine region, is a common
initiative during 2000-2006 that shall strengthen the economic and
social bonds in the Alpine region through transnational and interregional
development. The area of support covers the Alps, but also
their surrounding area, parts of the Mediterranean coast region.
The large river valleys of the Danube, Po, Rhone and Rhine are also
integrated. 7 countries are politically involved in the Alpine region:
Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and
Slovenia.
Domestic livestock has, in particular, a decisive influence
on the cultural landscape of the Alps, on its vegetation and on erosion.
Sheep and goats have always played an important role in the
Alpine region with its enormous climatic differences. As specialists,
they are adapted to conditions at high altitudes, a broad range of
temperatures, very high and very low precipitation, varying feed
quality and very different utilisation through man. Without these
small ruminants, man could not use highest altitudes, moreover,
they are especially important for erosion control.
In the Alpine region, there is a great variety of adapted
breeds: 60 sheep breeds and 33 goat breeds are found today.
Numerous breeds could fortunately be integrated into conservation
programs; a not defined number of breeds have, however, already
died out and more will certainly follow. The 1994 and 2004 studies
on Genetic Resources in the Alpine region, conducted by SAVE,
could reveal important need for action and various initiatives have
developed since.
Sheep and goat keeping in the Alpine region has been
decreasing continuously since approx. 50 years. The importance of
animal production is an indicator for the viability and long-term
safeguard of the region and, amongst others, an important pillar
regarding touristic development. Urban sprawl, weakening of agriculture,
the low influence of regional products on the market and
the lack of consumer’s interest in sheep and goat products has further
contributed to the decrease. This is where the Alpine-Gheep
program wishes to start by raising awareness for negative factors in
influence and developing adequate programmes.
The network at present consists of 16 partners from Italy,
Slovenia, Austria and Germany whose aim is the support of the
regional long-term development of sheep and goats. The Province
of Trento in Italy coordinates the project. From 2005-2006, the
main activities are the collection of data about the distribution of
breeds and focus of breeding programmes, the identification and
description of grazing areas, the evaluation of economic and ecological
factors influencing pasture management, the creation of an
international monitoring system for the breeds and a presentation
of traditional sheep and goat products. The project’s prospects of
success lie in the capability of breeders, regional administration,
research institutes and private partners.
As a first common activity, a show with as many sheep
breeds from the entire Alpine region as possible will take place on
September 24th/25th in the Freilichtmuseum Glentleiten, Germany.
The exhibition is organised by the "Bayerische Landesanstalt für
Landwirtschaft" in Grub, the "Bayerische Herdbuchgesellschaft für
Schafzucht" and die "Gesellschaft zur Erhaltung alter und gefährdeter
Haustierrassen e.V. (GEH)” –
The present brochure is the result of the cooperation of
both German project partners, the "Society for the Conservation of
Old and Endangered Livestock Breeds” GEH e.V. and the
"Bayerische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft” (LfL). Aim of the
show is to give an overview about all Alpine sheep breeds that have
originated in this region.
Investigations have shown that 60 breeds are still found
in the Alpine region: 28 breeds in Italy, 8 breeds in Germany, 8
breeds in Austria, 6 breeds in France and 4 breeds in Slovenia and
2 SHEEPBREEDS OF THE ALPS