Strengthening the sustainability of Sjenica sheep

Abstract

The Sjenica–Pešter Plateau, due to its natural characteristics, holds significant potential for sheep production. Breeding the Sjenica sheep in this region represents a key mechanism for securing livelihoods for the local population, reducing unemployment, and preventing depopulation. How-ever, uncontrolled crossbreeding with highly productive breeds (such as Württemberg and Île-de-France) has led to a loss of authenticity and reduced genetic diversity of this autochthonous strain, thereby threatening biodiversity, agroecosystems, and the cultural heritage of Serbia and the sur-rounding region. As a response to these challenges, the most reliable conservation strategy involves promoting sustainable low-input breeding systems within traditional habitats. This study focuses on the characterization of lamb stelja — a cured meat product — as a value-added traditional resource obtained through extensive production relying exclusively on local plant-based forage. Fatty acid analysis of the stelja revealed a highly balanced nutritional profile. The proportion of monounsatu-rated fatty acids (MUFA) was 48.82 ± 2.00, saturated fatty acids (SFA) accounted for 46.05 ± 1.30, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) comprised 3.08 ± 0.52 of total fatty acids. The dominant fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9) at 46.90 ± 1.75, followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) at 23.12 ± 0.48 and stearic acid (C18:0) at 19.30 ± 1.33. Omega-3 fatty acids contributed 0.95 ± 0.07 of the total content, with an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 0.46, indicating a favorable lipid composition in terms of human nutrition. These findings confirm that stelja derived from the Sjenica sheep represents a valuable regional product that offers not only nutritional benefits but also ecological and cultural significance. As an authentic, well-adapted, and traditionally bred animal, the Sjenica sheep deserves systematic protection and affirmation through the integration of its genetic traits, local production practices, and sustainability — serving the purpose of rural development and preserving the cultural identity of the Pešter Plateau and the region.Book of abstract