Land Use for Ruminants — Alpine Areas

Abstract

Within continental Europe, the Alpine area represents a zone of great interest, both owing to its extension and number of inhabitants and to its central position. Moreover, the mountain territories are strictly connected with areas in the nearby plains which are among the most developed on the Continent, so that for environmental and economic reasons, a well-balanced development is required in the whole geographical plain-mountain system. In this respect agriculture (and animal husbandry in particular) plays a basic role, since the primary sector is very often necessary for the whole economic activity of a large part of mountain areas.