Stimulating of health and sustainable lamb meat production in hilly mountain regions of Serbia

Abstract

Considering that intensive livestock production systems exceed environmental limits, the framework of Republic Project 2011-2019 was focused to stimulating sustainable animal food production in hilly mountain regions of Serbia. These regions are characterised by a great capacity of environmental sustainability, such are biodiversity, pasture and water quality. The priority area of the Project is related with healthier and more sustainable lamb meat production. The lamb meat quality characteristics of well adapted autochthonous types of Zackel sheep have been evaluated. The results of this study showed that tested lamb meat samples from pasture fed Zackel sheep types contain favorable fatty acid profile and amounts of conjugated linoleic acid, important for healthy children diet, especially regarding it´s protective effects on some diseases, such are malignancies, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The results of this study have an implication on future promoting of sustainable lamb meat production and consumption. Also, the obtained results are a good base for improving knowledge of environmental impacts on animal food.