Biodiversity, climate change, animal welfare, economic and environmental sustainability of semi-extensive mountain farms

Climate change can be viewed as one of the greatest threats of modern times, with important impacts on natural and anthropogenic systems worldwide. Semi-extensive pastoral systems are particularly vulnerable to modification in temperatures, precipitation patterns and resource availability, especially in mountains ecosystems in the Mediterranean region. This PhD project investigated changes in climatic trends and their potential impacts on pastoral ecosystems with a multidisciplinary approach, integrating climatic, ecological, and zootechnical analyses. Pasture biodiversity was assessed through evaluation of the expansion of unpalatable species (Brachypodium spp.). In addition, animal welfare was analysed through the study of welfare markers in sheep such as adipokines and Body Condition Score (BCS), as well as through the analysis of foraging behaviour and animal productivity. The results suggested a modification in climatic trends, such as the increase in drought stress and temperatures, which may be related to a decline in forage quality, ultimately affecting animal welfare and productivity. An expansion of unpalatable species (Brachypodium spp.) was observed on the high mountain grasslands inside the Sibillini National Park area, potentially reducing forage suitability for herbivore consumption. Moreover, a difference was observed in the Body Condition Score between sheep of different breeds, where Sopravissana sheep (an autochthonous breed) exhibited a significantly higher BCS, compared to the productive breed Comisana. Finally, the significant decrease in adipokines functionality observed in animals foraging during the Maximum dryness of the pasture compared to the animals foraging during Maximum flowering, and the observed significant increase in distance walked by sheep in poorer pastures, suggests that pasture features may influence animal body status. All these impacts may contribute to the progressive abandonment of traditional pastoral practices, threatening environmental, economic and social sustainability of the mountain areas in central Italy. Combining the knowledge from literature, the stakeholders practical experience and the results of this PhD project, guidelines for adaptation were developed, proposing adaptive strategies that are specifically designed to local conditions. These guidelines aim to promote sustainable land use, support economic and environmental sustainability, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on mountain agroecosystems. The findings provide a valuable framework for future policy development, ensuring the long-term viability of pastoral systems in the face of ongoing climatic changes.