PREPARATORY ACTION EU plant and animal genetic resources in agriculture

Compendium of projects

ESTONIA

Estonian Native Sheep

The publication is part of the study “Preparatory action on EU plant and animal genetic resources in agriculture”. The Preparatory Action has been initiated by the European Parliament and financed by the European Commission.

The objectives of the Preparatory action are to better understand the stakes of European neglected genetic resources in agriculture and to tap onto their economic potential.

It aims to provide inspiring examples of how to make the conservation of neglected breeds and varieties economically viable and encourage farmers and other stakeholders to engage.

Funded by the European Union

Legal notice The information and views set out in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Commission. The Commission does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication. Neither the Commission nor any person acting on the Commission's behalf may be held responsible

1 Introduction

Estonian Native sheep can be found at several locations of Estonia. The project aims to preserve and manage sheep biodiversity (represented by 8 larger sheep populations and several smaller ones) and to strengthen breeding, sheep-keeping and cultural heritage in traditional sheep-related handicraft through a participated approach.

2 Description of the genetic resource Estonian Native Sheep includes several native sheep populations such as Ruhnu, Kihnu, Saaremaa, Hiiu, Viru, Viljandi, Tali and Setu. These native sheep populations are morphologically similar to each other. Their wool types are however different: this diversity is reflected in the Estonian handicraft tradition. Estonian Native Sheep can be found at several locations throughout Estonia, for instance at Ruhnu, Kihnu, Saaremaa, Hiiu islands and at several locations in mainland Estonia. The Native Sheep is well adapted to local climate and grazing conditions and is an integral part of the life and cultural heritage of rural people. The first genetic research was carried out on the Estonian Ruhnu native sheep population. The current Ruhnu sheep consists of two single semi-managed herds, both located at Ruhnu island. There are Ruhnu sheep herds also at a few farms in the mainland. The Ruhnu population was found to be less variable than other Baltic sheep breeds: this imples the need for a breeding management plan to prevent further loss of genetic variability. The size of herds is very limited. There is a breeding plan for the Kihnu population only; there are no such plans for the other native sheep populations. The presence of Saaremaa and Hiiu populations on the namesake islands is limited, but they are both bred at Sae farm on the mainland. The old Estonian Native Sheep have not ever been registered as a breed. Only the Kihnu, which is the largest population group, has been recognized as a breed in 2016. The overall population of Estonian Native Sheep is considered as an endangered species. Many of the keepers are old and there is a great risk that the sheep will be slaughtered once keepers die. Most small sheep keepers still slaughter sheep at their farms, since there are not so many small slaughterhouses that can, or are willing to slaughter sheep.

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Most Estonian Native Sheep keepers highly value the wool and fur which can be obtained from the sheep. There are two tanning factories in Estonia, one in Jõgeva and one in Tartu. Fur is sold directly off the farm, on markets or via local shops. There are only a few small and old spinners in Estonia. The large spinning plants do not accept deliveries of raw wool under 35 kg. Raw wool must be washed at the farm, since spinning plants do not provide wool washing as a service.

3 Objectives of the project Motivated sheep farmers, in collaboration with other project stakeholders, decided to actively react to reduce the risk of extinction that Estonian Native Sheep population is facing. The undertaken actions were aimed at preventing the genetic degradation of the population, as well as at strengthening, promoting and supporting its survival in the long run. The focus of the project was researching and strengthening the social aspects of breeding, involving women and children and enhancing the sheep’s role in terms of cultural heritage in handicraft traditions. The project also aimed at supporting and strengthening the sheep-keeping and breeding activity itself, by highlighting the Estonian Native Sheep’s adaptability to local climate and grazing conditions and its potential for the development of multi-functionality in the agricultural sector. Finally, the project aims to support Estonian Native Sheep keepers through education and provision of information about the sheep itself and sheep-keeping activities. The main objective of the project is to preserve the Estonian Native Sheep:  as genetic heritage;  as an important part of the Estonian cultural heritage, also due to its importance for handicraft traditions;  as a hardy animal, well-suited for grazing in semi-natural grasslands.

4 Actors involved and roles The project was started and is still carried out without any external financing. The project was started on a voluntary basis by a handful of native sheep enthusiasts and by several small family holdings still keeping native sheep. A driving factor was the assistance of the “Föreningen Gutefåret” (Gute Sheep Association) in Sweden and the support of the Swedish native sheep expert Ragnar Edberg, who taught the supporters of the project how to recognize and evaluate the Estonian Native Sheep. An essential role was also played by Sae farm, which collected all the different genetic population types of

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Estonian Native Sheep, helping the management and preservation of biodiversity.

5 Steps and activities undertaken The undertaken activities had the purpose of promoting and raising owners’ awareness about the importance of preserving Estonian Native Sheep breeding as an important part of the Estonian cultural heritage. Different types of protection activities were implemented during the project. The most important activities carried out during the project are the following:  Collection of information on ancient traditions through interviews with old sheep owners, in order to raise social awareness.  Carrying out of interviews aimed at investigating and measuring the Estonian native sheep population size.  Teaching of traditional handicraft skills.  Gathering sheep morphologically similar to native ones and placing them at farms participating in the project, in particular at Sae’s farm.  Treatment of sick animals and help to old farm owners whenever needed.  Support to old sheep keepers in officially registering their sheep. Sheep cannot be added to the national animal database without registration.  Participation at the Woolfestival in England, Mardilaat market in Tallinn and other handicraft fairs, in order to popularise Estonian Native Sheep wool and the handicraft products made from it.

6 Results to date In 2006 the UNESCO, in connection with Kihnu Cultural Space, financed a genetic research program on the small native sheep population found in Kinhu and on other small populations of genetically diverse sheep found at other locations in Estonia. Results from this research confirmed that there still are some Estonian Native Sheep left in Estonia. The project allowed to improve awareness on preserving the biodiversity of all Estonian Native Sheep populations, as well as the understanding of the related genetic processes. A second project, KnowSheep (2011-2013), focused on research on Estonian Native Sheep, on wool product development and on production of educational materials. The most important results are the following:  Blood sampling and DNA tests on Estonian Native Sheep populations.  Measurement and wool sampling of Estonian Native Sheep.  A large network of contacts with Estonian Native Sheep keepers was established.  Management of approximately 100 ewes of different sheep varieties at Sae farm.  Research on Estonian Native Sheep pasture and on sheepdog behaviour.

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 Product development in sheep wool production.  Handbook for new Estonian Native Sheep keepers.  Estonian Native Sheep booklet.  Establishment of a good cooperation with Lahemaa National Park.  Construction of a new sheep stable.  Construction of a wool chamber house that can be used to sell products and to organise educational events.

7 Next steps The Ministry of Rural Affairs and the Estonian University of Life Sciences will support the project in the registration process of all the Estonian Native Sheep heads. Further steps will be the update of the handbook for new sheep keepers and the creation of a professional network with its own organisational structure, in order to keep on preserving the cultural heritage of sheep breeding.

8 Lesson learned and good practices Adequate communication skills among the project stakeholders were of crucial importance for interacting with old sheep keepers in order to collect information about sheep keeping, professional skills, time and resources needed to preserve the native sheep population. Another strategic factor was the good cooperation among partners, as well as the willingness and curiosity of all stakeholders in learning about Estonian Native Sheep, its history and traditions. The engagement of stakeholders can be considered the main factor for the success of the project. By contrast, there is still a serious risk of losing a great part of the genetic heritage of the Estonian Native Sheep populations, since the Kihnu population only is recognised as a breed (2016).

9 Participation to other projects and to networks / Funding New projects are planned in order to spread the experience and knowledge that has been gathered on Estonian Native Sheep over the last 15 years. The two main projects that have already been carried out are: 1. Genetic and morphological research on Estonian Native Sheep financed by UNESCO in 2006. 2. KnowSheep research project 2011-2013, focused on research concerning wool, use of sheepdogs, grazing behaviour and production of educational materials. 3. Annual participation to Open-Farm Days and organisation of on-farm visits. 4. Cooperation with Lahemaa National Park.

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Contacts of the responsible of the project: Imbi Jäetma Sae Farm, Uuri village, Kuusalu Parish, Estonia [email protected] www.lahemaalammas.ee

Annika Michelson MTÜ Maadjas Õismäe tee 77-2, 13515 Tallin [email protected]

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