The Biodiversity of Sheep Breeds in Romania and Bioeconomic Impact on Agriculture

Lavinia Udrea¹, Amalia-Gianina Străteanu², Elena Partal³

¹Valahia University of Târgoviște
²Center for Study and Research for AgroForestry Biodiversity
“Acad. David Davidescu”, Bucharest
³National Agricultural Research and Development Institute Fundulea

Keywords: sheep, biodiversity, breed, bioeconomy.

Abstract: Sheep breeding still makes an essential contribution today, by supporting thousands of producers, by providing livestock products necessary for human consumption (milk, cheese, meat), as well as derived products, thus having an essential socio-economic contribution in rural areas. This paper analyses the components of sheep biodiversity in Romania, the role of local breeds, the economic and ecological impact, and also offers recommendations for valorisation and conservation. Currently, sheep breeding and exploitation is experiencing an upward development due to biological and economic particularities, which is why this species has spread throughout the globe. Sheep, due to their number, superior productive potential and relatively low investment, maintenance and marketing costs of products, represent an economic opportunity.
The biodiversity of sheep breeds in Romania constitutes a strategic resource for sustainable rural development. Sheep farming plays a key role for the environment, including the maintenance of less fertile areas and the conservation of the landscape and sensitive ecosystems. Also, given their feeding behaviour, in which grazing plays an important role, they maintain flora biodiversity, protect wildlife and clean natural spaces by removing dry organic matter. Native breeds contribute to the resilience of farms, the maintenance of natural pastures and the agro-cultural identity of the country, as well as to the protection of the national zootechnical genetic heritage by organizing and supporting farms with elite animals.
The integration of bioeconomy principles - resource reuse, product diversification, digitalization and genetic conservation - offers high potential for increasing the competitiveness of the sector.