Ecological aspects of sheep breeding

摘要

The effectiveness of sheep breeding in Poland can be increased by implementing low-input production methods, which enable production costs, in particular feed costs to be reduced by promoting ecological sheep farming based on the use of permanent grasslands. The high concentration of animals, characteristic of commercial livestock production systems, creates problems with waste management, contaminates the air with ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and methane, while inducing health problems in overly congested and stressed animals. The susceptibility of animals to epizooties makes it necessary to use pharmaceuticals and, when appropriate waiting periods are not met, has an effect on the quality of the products obtained. Ecological production is closely connected with soil, with interrelations between soil and plants, plants and animals, and animals and soil that are maintained on farms. Considering the degree of development, profile and production methods, Polish sheep farming is particularly suited for this type of activity.