Case study of the market situation of calves from Alpine dairy farms and the effect of dams’ grazing during the last three months of gestation on auction parameters

The main aim of the study was to assess recent evolution cattle breeding in Alpine areas based on number, quality and price calves sold at local auctions South Tyrol region over last decade, as case study. In addition, effect grazing during dam’s late gestation calves’ auction investigated whether inclusion pasture production system has an impact parameters beside its well-known positive effects welfare environment. Similarly, other geographical areas, revealed that numbers crossbred (especially from specialised dairy breeds) increased years also area, because more targeted plans with intensive use beef bulls’ semen. Further, purebred dual-purpose breeds (Simmental, Grey, Pinzgauer) received a higher remuneration terms market value than Holstein Friesian Brown Swiss cows. A part these animals could be available support innovative alpine meat supply chain which, if grass-fed, further strengthen current landscape maintenance service provided by mountain livestock husbandry. Dams 90 days had limited negative liveweight traits auctions. All results provide useful technical insights switch suckler herd future productive alternative for some small-scale farms whose viability is essential provision several ecosystem services fragile