Doru NECULA 1,2*, Doru Nicolae COSTEA 1,
Stefan COMAN 2,3, Laurenț OGNEAN 1,2
1 National Institute of Economic Research “Costin C. Kirițescu”, Centre of Mountain Economy CE-MONT, Petreni no. 49, 725700, Vatra Dornei, Romania
2 University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Mănăștur Street, No. 3–5, 400037, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
3 Hoghiz Veterinary Clinic, Brașov county, Romania
* Corresponding author: sv63dor@yahoo.com
DOI: https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.13353774
Abstract
The natural area of the Carpathian Mountains in Romania encompasses a set of mountainous agricultural zones where specific geoclimatic conditions and the biodiversity of natural meadows significantly influence the development of animal husbandry and the future of native breeds. As well-known, these factors have a positive impact on the quality and health of products while simultaneously imposing constraints on the productivity of households and micro-farms in mountainous regions. In such conditions, supporting traditional animal husbandry remains the primary occupation of inhabitants in mountainous areas. The aim of this bibliographic work can be summarized as the synthesis and analysis of data with particular relevance in assessing the advantages and disadvantages of animal husbandry in mountainous areas, as well as the factors with a major impact on their socio-economic and touristic development. Small farms between 2–6–10 dairy cows have been analyzed from an economic point of view, resulting in the fact that the higher the number of dairy cows, the greater the farmer’s benefits.This study relied on accessing data and information available on Google Scholar and other reputable sources in the field, analyzing them to enrich current knowledge. The paper synthesizes and critically analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of animal husbandry activities in mountainous areas. The invaluable values generated over time by the evolution of the Carpathian mountain potential are detailed, examining their contribution historically, culturally, socially, and economically to the evolution of mountain civilization and the continuous need for efforts to support them.
Keywords:
Carpathian areas, mountain households, native breeds, biodiversity