Phenotypic and genetic parameters of grazing behaviour of semi-extensively reared Boutsko sheep

The objective of the study was two-fold (i) to investigate grazing behaviour of Boutsko sheep reared semi-extensively in alpine region of Epirus Mountain range, using global positioning system (GPS) technology and (ii) to estimate genetic parameters for grazing behaviour traits. A total of 300 ewes were randomly selected from three flocks (n=200, n=50, and n=50, respectively) in Epirus, Greece. Rotational monitoring of animal grazing behaviour was performed from June to September 2021, using GPS devices attached on designated collars. Traits measured included duration of daily grazing, distance, speed, altitude difference, and elevation gain. Energy expenditure from walking was calculated for each individual. Blood samples of ewes were obtained, DNA was extracted, and genome-wide genotyping was performed. Mean (± standard deviation) daily grazing duration, distance, speed, altitude difference, elevation gain and energy expenditure were 7.7±1.52h, 10.7±2.01km, 1.5±0.42km/h, 375.5±174.84m, 2,740.7±968.95m, and 1.3±0.23 MJ, respectively. Significant (P