Characterization of dairy sheep farms in the Serra da Estrela PDO region

Abstract Sheep farming plays a key role in the sustainability of most depressed rural regions Portugal, particularly Serra da Estrela region, and is recognized as an important source income for many local farmers. Thus, management sheep breeds region has over generations given rise to its emblematic product: cheese, with Protected Designation Origin (PDO). This study aims briefly describe farms producing certified milk region. To this end, survey form was drawn up applied 75 farms, randomly selected, from defined geographical area Estrela, June August 2020. The results show that producers, mostly male, have average age close 51 years. On average, herd size equal or greater than 100 animals daily production per animal varies between 0.47 1.0 L. price paid producer is, on at 1.25 Euros/L. Both lactation length are higher those described by others. these accordance standard value related other authors.