Local livestock breeds in Slovenia have been eligible for financial incentives in the form of a fixed payment per livestock unit (LU) since 2002. The scheme has however not been successful in reversing the erosion of animal genetic resources (AnGR). This paper investigates an alternative, whereby incentive payments would better reflect breeders’ actual opportunity costs. The paper contributes to the limited existing body of knowledge related to the use of tender mechanisms in the design of the payments for agrobiodiversity conservation schemes (PACS), particularly for AnGR. Empirical findings draw on the results of a stated preference survey involving 301 farmers in Slovenia, engaging, or being potentially able to engage, in the rearing of local pig, sheep and goat breeds. Interval and logistic regression model results suggest that willingness to accept (WTA) conservation support significantly differs from actual payment levels. The estimated WTA was found to be 27% lower for the local sheep and goat breeds and 5% higher for the local pig breed, suggesting that differentiated incentive payments would provide a more cost-effective alternative. Additional analysis of breeders’ preferences and motives for engaging in local livestock breed production further informs understanding regarding AnGR conservation policy and the importance of accompanying actions to reverse negative population trends. These include reducing administrative barriers and enhancing the market valorisation of local breeds.

This experiment was designed to study the foraging behaviour of ewes on a pasture with paddocks with three different types of vegetation, herbaceous (n = 3), woody (n = 2), and semi open (n = 1). Forty sheep were bred on a farm in the Karst region of Slovenia. Ten sheep were focally observed during day light (5 a.m.–9 p.m.). Ewes were observed for 2 days in each paddock with one rotation, so 12 days in total. Grazing time, circadian rhythm of grazing, drinking frequency, and frequency of salt consumption were the observed behaviours. On average, ewes grazed for 10.5 hours a day (mean ± SD = 626.2 ± 47.2 min), with a significant difference between individual variation (P < 0.001). Sheep grazed the most in herbaceous paddocks (P < 0.001), with lower yet similar levels observed in woody and semi open paddock. The frequency of drinking and salt consumption was low. Individual grazing sheep would drink slightly less than once per day, while consuming salt on average 1.25 times per day. Drinking frequency was the highest in the semi open paddock with some trees and bushes, whereas salt consumption was most frequently observed in the woody paddocks.

The rapid erosion of global livestock biodiversity necessitates robust national conservation strategies to ensure agricultural resilience and food security (FAO, 2007a; Groeneveld et al., 2010). This paper details Slovenia's comprehensive "Program for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Animal Genetic Resources for the Period 2024-2030" (MKGP, 2023), designed to align with international mandates, including the FAO Global Plan of Action (FAO, 2007b), the Convention on Biological Diversity (UN, 1992), and the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 (CBD, 2020). The Program integrates systematic monitoring, in situ and ex situ conservation methodologies, sustainable utilization frameworks, dedicated research initiatives, educational outreach, and international collaboration. A core focus is placed on native Slovenian breeds, which are uniquely adapted to diverse local agro-ecosystems and possess multifaceted ecological, economic, and cultural value. The strategic implementation combines rigorous population genetic monitoring with direct financial and institutional support for breeders, advanced gene bank operations, and targeted research into both market potential and unique genetic attributes. This integrated approach, linking biodiversity conservation with broader rural development objectives, positions Slovenia's program as a model for effective national implementation of global AnGR preservation goals.

"Grazing behaviour of small ruminants on diverse karst land vegetation" published on 28 Nov 2014 by Wageningen Academic.