Measuring the profitability of the Apulian native Altamurana ovine breed for better conservation programmes

Altamurana is a triple attitude breed (milk, meat and wool) selected for centuries by the harsh Murgia environment. In the ‘80s, it gave way to more productive specialized breeds and since ‘90s it may be considered an endangered-maintained breed. The preservation of this local and historical breed allows not only the achievement of a better balance of the livestock ecosystems, but also the enhancement of the traditional related products (milk, cheese, wool, etc.). To this end, the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme of Apulia provides funds to farmers for the preservation of the Altamurana (sub-measure 10.1.5). The premium, 200 eLSU1 year1 per animal, is supplied to farmers who undertake to breed the Altamurana heads for five years. The payment is calculated on the additional costs and income losses consequent to the breeding of Altamurana with respect to the ordinary breeds. In the period 2013-2016 a further indirect support came from a research project funded by the Alta Murgia national Park. In this context, we analysed the profitability of Altamurana breed and compared it with the economic performances of Comisana, one of most popular dairy sheep. We focused on the gross margin, which corresponds to total revenues minus operating costs (EU FADN methodology). In particular, revenues were referred to milk and other products revenues, while operating costs were distinguished between specific costs (cultivation, feed, veterinary, etc.) and non-specific costs (upkeep of machinery, taxes on land and buildings, etc.). Result highlighted several important aspects of Altamurana and in particular, compared to the Comisana breed: the lower milk and meat profitability, respectively of 64% and 37% and a minor incidence of the feeding and veterinary costs (42% and 25%, respectively). Finally, the gross margin per head for the Altamurana breed was just 3.69 euros compared to the Comisana one (41.93 euros). Omitting the EU premium, the gross margin was even negative, namely 16.31 euros. These findings showed the need of proper conservation plan based on external support. However, the sensitivity analysis pointed out that several marketing strategies concerning the sale of milk, meat, wool and transformed products could be implemented. These products, as obtained by a local ovine native breed, could exploit higher market prices, ensuring better profitability performances and cancelling the differences with the Comisana breed.