Study on the Diversity of Products Obtained from Sheep in the Current Bioeconomy Context

A concern for the growth and utilization of sheep is raised since ancient times in Romania. The development of livestock sector is determined by the climate and the geographical configuration with the availability of grasslands maintained by transhumants. The pastoralism founded a domestic processing of milk, wool and leather products with positive socio-economic implications on material and spiritual life of local people. The sheep breeds prevailed until the 20 th cent ury were ‘Tucana’ and ‘Stogose’ and, to a lesser extent, ‘Tisigai’. These breeds, generally unimproved, have a profound fitness and resistance to harsh weather conditions. These breeds were also fit for traveling long routes in search of food. The utilization of a sheep breed is determined by the national economic demand, productivity potential of the breed, available, technology, improvement and utilization methods of the breed. The said sheep breeds were appreciated because they produce a diversity of products having superior nutritional or economic values. It is known especially for its white wool, which is used in domestic industry for making clothes and other products including artifacts, textiles, Persian carpets, etc. Considering the local natural conditions and the national economic demands, the sheep husbandry was assisted continuously to support intensive and multilateral development producing the necessary raw materials for the textile, fur, leather and food industry. Both research and the technical developments have contributed to the zootechnical field geared to resolve the problems appeared in the development of sheep. The scientific knowledge and expertise need to be combined with application skills leading to the development and modernization of complex technologies helping growth of sheep products.


Introduction
The sheep (Ovis vignei) is appreciated for both the diversity of its products and its superior nutritional and economic values (Alexandru, 2009).Considering the local natural conditions and the demands of the national economy, currently the sheep breeding is an important sector of animal husbandry, which has been oriented, stimulated and supported to achieve intensive and multilateral development ensuring domestic production of raw materials for the textile, fur, leather and food industries (Alexandru, 2010).This explains why sheep had a spread to the entire globe, more in temperate areas and less in humid cold or humid hot areas.Therefore, sheep products need to be understood through the prism of economic efficiency using recent scientific literature focusing new technologies to harness the productive potential of the sheep (Ilisiu et al., 2013).
Historically, special attention was paid to the practical ways of intensifying the sheep breeding and harnessing the products in the wake of new agriculture revolution in Romania.Interests in sheep increased with the development of agriculture and socioeconomic aspects generating new demands for food and raw materials of animal origin (Amalia and Simona, 2019).Thus, the need arose to create new productive breeds of sheep, simultaneously with the recent advancement of breeding and exploration technologies having increased efficiency.
The research and the technical developments have contributed to rising sector of animal husbandry in order to solve the contemporary problems posing sheep breeding.Depending on the evolution of socio-economic factors and the organizational framework, the utilization of sheep evolved through many stages (Gavojdian et al., 2012).However, current trends in sheep farming are based mainly on market requirements, biological characteristics of sheep breeds, and the environmental conditions (see Table 1).As highlighted in table 1, large increases in sheep numbers have been recorded in Asia, followed by Africa and Europe, while the other continents mark a slight decrease.In some transoceanic countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, there are large sheep farmers.Until recently the production of sheep is chiefly for harnessing the wool; and now a crossbreed 'Corriedale' is raised for meat and wool.In Eastern Europe and the Balkans, the meat production has increased along with wool, milk and skins.A preferred breed of sheep is the one that has medium size, high adaptability and crossbreeding traits with other breeds, and gives mixed production, precociousness and prolificacy.With this background, in the present paper, the Indigenous sheep breeds, Tisigai and Turcana, are analyzed to understand sheep raising practices and to identify the factors that lead to an increase and improvement of wool, milk, and meat production.

Study Area
This study concentrates on the growth of the sheep from Prahova area situated in the Carpathian curvature.The breeding area of the two sheep breeds -Tisigai and Turcana -starts from the north of Dambovita area, adjacent to Buzau.This site stretches over an area of 30-40 km on the hilly altitude of 600-800 m.

Description of Sheep Breeds
The Ţisigai breed (Figure 1) comes from the Ovis vignei arkal.From the southeast of the Caspian Sea, where it was domesticated, it spread first into Asia Minor, then in the south of the Soviet Union, and in the Danube Mouth region and Dobrogea (Romania).From here, it spread to the rest of Romania, and to Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Czecho-Slovakia and Poland.Over time, because of transhumance and the geo-climatic conditions in Romania, two ecotypes within Ţisigai breed emerged.The "plain" ecotype has massive body with higher yield of wool and meat; another one is "mountain" ecotype having less body mass.The first ecotype is more popular among the herders and livestock raisers.Before 1950, the Ţisigai breed grew in compact herds, in a smaller area, in the South-Eastern Plain and in the Dobrogean Plateau.Around 1950, the "țigaizare" (crossing the Ţurcană breed with the Ţisigai breed) took place on a large scale in the Bărăgan Plain, in the hilly and plateau areas in the south of the country, inside the Carpathian arch, in Transylvanian and the south and center of Moldova.At the beginning of this century, on the slopes of the Bucegi Mountains, in the localities of Teşila and Trestienii de Sus (Prahova area), and in the submontane areas of Covasna, Harghita and Mureş counties, Ţisigai de şes breed was adapted, and crossbreed of the Ţurcană breed (Figure 2) was adopted along with the mountain ecotype of the Ţisigai breed.
Currently, the Ţisigai breed represents about 26% of the total numbers of sheep in Romania, and is raised in the hilly, plateau, depression areas, and, to a lesser extent, in some sub-mountain areas.The Ţurcană breed also comes from Ovis vignei arkal, having phylogenetic evolution and obvious phenotypic similarities, production, resistance and behavior resembling some breeds and other rustic breeds from Bulgaria, Greece, Yugoslavia, Italy, former URSS.It is the oldest breed in Romania, and its evolution dates back to ancient times.The Turcana (Figure 2) continues to be the breed that holds the highest proportion (40%) of the total population.3-4 decades ago, it represented over 60% of the population, growing both in the lowland and hill and mountain areas by virtue of its exceptional resistance and adaptability to different natural environmental conditions.This was maintained until 1950-1955 when the transformation of sheep was undertaken from thick wool sheep into semi-fine and fine wool producing sheep.It was accomplished by crossing Turcana with Ţisigai in the hilly areas, and with Merinos in the plain areas.At present, it is widespread in the sub-mountainous and mountainous areas of the country, but sporadic herds continue to be increased in the hilly areas as well.Within this Turcana breed, 4 phenotypic variances are distinguished: white, black, grey and rotca.The white variety is the most frequent and widespread.It is especially appreciated for white wool from which clothes, Persian carpet and other folk-art products are made.This variety is the best milk producer breed.The black variety is raised in small numbers, especially in central and northern Romania where the sheep are crossed with Karakul rams to obtain skins.The grey variety is widespread in the hilly and sub-mountainous areas of northern Moldova, adjoining the localities of Bacău, Botoşani, Suceava and Piatra-Neamţ.Both wool and "embers" are Brumaire.Due to their distinct morphoproductive characteristics and reproductive isolation, the Brumaire variety can be considered an independent breed.The improvement of this variety is to obtain valuable skins and to increase the milk production.The rotca variety (Figure 3) differs from the other varieties, especially by its "cap" horns twisted in the shape of a corkscrew, which is why it is having a different phylogenetic evolution.

Methodology
This research was performed on Tisigai and Turcana breeds of sheep.The total number of animals was 413 heads (Table 2).The age of the sheep studied was between 5 months and 6 years.The samples were analyzed for herd, milk production, wool production, meat production, the production of skins, furs and hides, the shelters and veterinary sanitary requirements during sheep breeding.
In the table 2, data of Ţisigai and Ţurcană sheep breeds is presented.In the two breeds, a very small percentage of sheep is registered having problems.Out of total 413 sheep, 202 (49%) sheep were milking, while 100 (24%) were barren sheep.20 sheep had problems with calving.The feeding of sheep consists of grazing during the summer at low altitude and alpine pasture, and the fodder is produced within the farm during the winter.

Milk Production
Since the Ţurcană breed among all local breeds produces more milk, the milk production, on an average, is 80-110 liters per lactation (Lavinia, 2018); whereas improved variety of this breed produces 140-160 liters.The protein content is between 5.70% and 5.83% (Table 3).The fat content of milk progressively increases as the lactation progresses.Similarly, the protein content also increases (Șonea, Maria, and Ionela, 2020), but has lower values.In terms of fat content or protein content, the sheep reared at lower altitude are no significantly different from those raised in high-altitude (alpine) pastures.In both the cases, the protein content marked a slight decrease in the third month, which corresponds to the largest amount of milk (Lavinia, 2018).It shows that sheep raised in low altitude meadows are better than those raised in alpine pastures for the purpose of hay production (Lavinia, 2017).The use of low altitude meadows for hay production is more rational than their use as pasture.

Wool Production
The structure of the sheep hairs is important for wool production.The fibrillar composition and shape of the strands are determined by the characteristics of the follicular group.The hair follicles exist in two layers: one deeper layer correspond to the primary follicles, which generate long and thick fibers; and another superficial layer corresponds to the secondary follicles that generate short and thin fibers responsible for determining structurally the conical shape of the strand.In general, the wool produced from the hairs of Ţurcană sheep is rough.When washed, it loses 30%-35% of weight (Figure 4).The washing efficiency varies between 65% and 70% in the sheep raised in mountainous conditions.The amount of wool varies depending on the feeding conditions and the growing area.
Wool production, calculated at STAS yield of 53% (Table 4), resulted on an average amount of wool per animal is given in table 4 having values of standard deviation and coefficient of variability.The wool washing efficiency (Figure 4) is influenced by hereditary characters and environmental factors.The percentage of impurities in the wool is closely related to the care and maintenance of sheep during herding, grazing and shelter care.The variation in the wool production (Table 4) is the outcome of some feeding errors.The most important physical and technological properties of wool include the length of the strands, the fineness of the fibers, their strength and extensibility.In general, the characteristics of wool differ from one ecotype of sheep breed to the another, and show a great variability in the coat, from individual to individual, both in terms of diameter and length (Figure 3).Such variation is also observed in the type of strand, pigmentation and degree of corrugation of the wool fibers.According to the absolute length of wool fibers, we have three types of fibers: long -over 16 cm; medium (9-15 cm) and short 8 cm.Short fibers have a weight of 30%, medium fibers 46.25%, and long fibers 23%.The absolute average length is determined on fiber sections and is illustrated in table 5.The data in the table 6 summarizes that the average diameter the fibers in the middle section is 72.42 microns in the long ones, 41.22 microns in the medium sized and 37.13 microns in the short ones.The variability in the diameter of long fibers, which increases from base to tip, is explained by different feeding conditions during the year and the physiological condition of the sheep.The larger diameter is obtained in May-September period when the sheep are grazed and weaned feeding the lambs.
The average diameter is presented in the table 6.On an average, the diameter per 1500 fibres is 50.29 microns with a coefficient of variability of 30.2%.This data exhibit that the shape and structure of the strand and the degree of corrugation have correlation with the absolute average length, the average diameter, the types of fiber in the strand, and the level of wool production.The wool characteristics depend on different biotypes of the Ţurcană breed.It indicates that the future research must focus on selecting the most productive biotypes for increasing and improving the wool production.Absolute tear strength and extensibility are important properties of fiber, as they determine the strength and plasticity of wool fabrics.These properties are closely correlated with the fineness of the fiber, in the sense that the fine fibers have a lower strength and extensibility than the thick ones, thus having a correlation with the body region and environmental factors.

Meat Production
The research undertaken in recent years highlights that the Ţurcană and Ţisigai breeds are utilized for meat production of superior qualities.The rational use of improved adult sheep for meat production should be given due importance (Gavojdian et al., 2012).20-30% increase in meat quality was recorded if sheep was reconditioned, thus contributing to raising the economic efficiency of the meat production units based on large flocks of sheep (Figure 6).
In Romania, out of the 8 million sheep destined for meat production, annually 3 million heads represent the adult, reformed sheep, out of which over 1 million are of the Ţurcană breed.Therefore, the rational use of reformed adult sheep for meat production is an action that should be given due importance.Only by reconditioning the reformed sheep can increase the meat by 20-30% with improvement of its quality, thus contributing to raising the economic efficiency of the units with large flocks of sheep (Figure 7).

Production of Hides, Skins and Furs
The Ţurcană breed produces high-quality leathers.The skin from Ţurcană is more resistant because the collagen fibers are woven together in a denser structure.The skin is also more resistant to elongation and tearing.This resistance of the skin is the result of the lower number of hair follicles per unit area.The thickness of the skin is in two layers: the primary follicles are deeper, and the secondary follicles are closer to the surface of the skin (Figure 6).The quality of the skins is determined by the conditioning by a series of natural and genetic factors e.g., individuality, sex, health, skin size during Lavinia Udrea, Gabriela Teodorescu, Sînziana Venera Morărița, Ivona David pruning, physiological condition of the animal, slaughtering season, age, feeding conditions, care and shelter.
Ţurcană lambs are slaughtered for fur before the wool exceeds 3-5 cm length.Fur is produced under strict compliance of the sanitary-veterinary measures.

Calendar of sanitary-veterinary actions
Sheep utilization systems guide to take measures to prevent and combat different diseases.
In sheep, morbidity and losses are the consequence of diseases caused by nonsanitary conditions.Such diseases are chiefly parasitic diseases, especially those come from pasture (Figure 9).Therefore, to ensure better health of animals, strict supervision of sheep applying clinical observations, anatomical-pathological examinations, feed control, hygiene maintenance, etc. is necessary.Regarding the sanitary-veterinary actions in the extensive exploitation system, they are grouped as follows: a) In the winter season, under stable conditions, the following is performed: 1. general and permanent control of feeding in order to prevent abortions, infections such as hysteresis, hypogalaxy and lung diseases in lambs; 2. immuno-prophylactic actions, which consist of the serological examination for the detection of epididymitis and tuberculosis separately; vaccinations against anaerobiosis, salmonellar abortion and agalaxia; 3. antiparasitic actions, which consist of the detection of scabies, the isolation and treatment of animals with local lesions, and treatment against fasciolosis, estrosis.
b) In the spring season, once the grazing is done, the following is performed: 1. vaccination against anthrax and enterotoxemia in lambs; 2. organization of prophylactic grazing; 3. antiparasitic actions, such as pasture control and ameliorating and chemical interventions on them.
Regarding the sanitary-veterinary actions in the intensive fattening system, they are grouped as follows: A) For young: 1. Organization of the in-patient and the sanitary-veterinary provider (Figure10); 2. Loss according to possible clinical signs, especially hypotrepsic ones; prophylactic treatments against pulmonary diseases and against pulmonary and gastric strongylatoses; 3. Surveillance of feed to avoid indigestion, biochemical indigestion, uro-lithiasis, listeriosis; 4. Treatments against scabies, monilioze, dictiocaulosis; 5. Vaccinations.
The lambs are vaccinated with Evomec and the yolk treatment.The bathing is also done with Lindaved once a year in spring.Pruning is done twice a year in spring and autumn.

Conclusion
Sheep breeding is a traditional activity.The diversity of the products they produce, the low energy and fodder consumption make the breeding and utilization of sheep a sustainable and profitable activity.Raising traditional sheep breeds (e.g., Tisigai and Turcana) in the mountain areas has sustained for centuries.The local people consider Tisigai and Turcana sheep breeds perfectly adapting to geo-climatic and transhumance conditions, providing them with daily necessities, and producing the products for market.There are areas in Romania having preserved valuable specimens of sheep, the traditions and customs related to the breeding and harnessing these sheep.These specimens, which represent the genetic stock of the traditional breeds, can be used in the larger breeding program of sheep in the mountainous areas of Romania.

Figure 4 :
Figure 4: Washed wool obtained from the Turcana breed

Table 1 :
The evolution of sheep worldwide 2017-2019

Table 2 :
The sample of the sheep Țisigai and Țurcană studied

Table 3 :
Monthly dynamics of the average protein content (n = sample size)

Table 4 :
Data of wool production by Turcana breed

Table 5 :
The relative and absolute length (cm) of the wool fibers

Table 6 :
The average diameter of the types of fibers in the strand of Ţurcană sheep