Strenghtening the sustainability of Sjenica sheep

The Sjenica–Pešter Plateau (43.27306 N, 19.99944 E), due to its natural characteristics, holds significant potential for sheep production. Breeding the Sjenica sheep in this region represents a key mechanism for securing livelihood for the local population, reducing unemployment, and preventing depopulation. However, uncontrolled crossbreeding with highly productive breeds (such as Württemberg and Île-de-France) has led to a loss of authenticity and reduced genetic diversity of this autochthonous strain, thereby threatening biodiversity, agroecosystems, and the cultural heritage of Serbia and the surrounding region. As a response to these challenges, the most reliable conservation strategy involves promoting sustainable low-input breeding systems within traditional habitats. This study focuses on the characterization of sheep stelja - a cured meat product - as a value-added traditional resource obtained through extensive production relying exclusively on local plant-based forage.Fatty acid analysis of the stelja revealed a highly balanced nutritional profile. The proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was 48.82 ± 2.00, saturated fatty acids (SFA) accounted for 46.05 ± 1.30, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) comprised 3.08 ± 0.52. The dominant fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9) at 46.90 ± 1.75, followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) at 23.12 ± 0.48 and stearic acid (C18:0) at 19.30 ± 1.33. Omega-3 fatty acids contributed 0.95 ± 0.07 of the total content, with an omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 0.46 indicating a favorable lipid composition in terms of human nutrition.These findings confirm that stelja derived from the Sjenica sheep represents a valuable regional product that offers not only nutritional benefits but also ecological and cultural significance. As an authentic, well-adapted, and traditionally bred animal, the Sjenica sheep deserves systematic protection and affirmation through the integration of its genetic traits, local production practices, and sustainability - serving the purpose of rural development and preserving the cultural identity of the Pešter Plateau and the region.