Some Physiological Responses of Native Sheep Breeds to Environmental Conditions during Grazing in Natura 2000 Habitats

The calcareous xerothermic grasslands of the Festuco-Brometea class are among most endangered Natura 2000 sites in Europe. greatest threats include a lack grazing, secondary succession, and invasive alien expansive native species. abandonment such is caused by low nutritional value biomass, as well difficult habitat conditions. aim this study was to assess physiological responses sheep breeds hard environmental conditions when grazing habitats confirm hypothesis that Świniarka Uhruska can be used protect valuable natural habitats. analysed were characterised very climatic edaphic fodder for sheep. Grazing environmentally areas, sometimes poor fodder, did not adversely affect welfare grazed In both breeds, there no indicators heat or stress, but changes observed animals’ adaptation new Despite positions, improved their condition body weight. Fluctuations showing an process also visible.