Influence of Summer Transhumance Practice in the Carpathians, Apuseni Mountains, Romania on Cattle Milk Production and Quality

Ranta MirelaIoana CrișanAnca Plesa^*Andrada Ihuț^*

• University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

In the Apuseni Mountains, a particular type of short-distance transhumance has been practiced for hundreds of years, by which people moved a part of their cattle to grassland at higher altitudes, allowing them to save the hay from grassland closer to home as winter fodder. This sustainable use of grassland is based on traditional practices. However, scientific research into the influence of this practice on milk production and quality is limited, an aspect analysed in this study. The results showed that grasslands at higher altitudes have more limited biodiversity, and while fat content increases, milk production decreases. Pendular movement maintains grasslands in good condition and preserves cultural landscapes. This sustainable practice is still common in many mountainous regions today, providing economic benefits to local communities. During the summer months, some of the cattle herds are moved to mountain grazing areas (called temporary farms -TF) in order to conserve the hay closer to home for winter fodder. This study investigated the impact of this practice on the milk yield and quality of Bălțată Românească-type Simmental cattle. All the cattle included in the study were at the same stage of lactation at the start of the experimental period.