Zoi Parissi

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | AUTH · Lab. of Range Science, Dept. of Forestry and Natural Environment

Mediterranean pastoral systems are providers of a wide array of Nature’s Contribution to People (NCP). They are ‘complex systems’ characterized by limited resources and socio-economic dynamics currently threatened by climate and social changes. Despite a growing number of scientific articles dealing with NCP, there is a high risk that the existing...

The study aimed to compare the physicochemical composition, fatty acid profile, phenolic content and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of feta cheese produced in two regions in Greece (mountainous grasslands and plains). The VOC profiles of forage in the mountainous grasslands were also investigated in order to detect any relationship between the t...

Initially, the nutritional value of the three main by-products of Cannabis sativa (hempseed cake, second-rate quality hemp seed and hemp hay), cultivated under Greek conditions and collected from four plantations in the Macedonian region was estimated. A second part of the study was the investigation of the effects of diet inclusion with hempseed c...

Sclerophyllous scrub formations, the main vegetation type in many islands of the Aegean area, provide many goods and services to humans, such as biodiversity, soil protection, and forage for livestock and wildlife. Dominant shrub species of sclerophyllous formations are well adapted to dry season conditions due to various anatomical and physiologic...

Lupins are an important source of protein that could replace soybeans in the diet of ruminants and monogastrics, without reducing their performance. Lupinus albus (L. albus) is the main species of the genus Lupinus that is cultivated in the Mediterranean region. The aim of the present research was to study commercial cultivars and advanced breeding...

Grain legumes are feedstuffs with high nutritional value that could replace soybean in dairy sheep nutrition. This could be beneficial in terms of economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. However, research regarding their potential effects on animal performance is scarce. The objective was to assess milk production and body condition s...

The objective of the present study was to assess the impacts in time of the ski-resort infrastructure and transhumance livestock grazing on floristic composition, diversity, and rangeland health indices related to ecosystem stability and function. The study was carried out at a site under the pressure of ski resorts and livestock grazing (Ano Trika...

Vicia sativa L. (common vetch) is an annual legume species of high economic and ecological importance which is characterized by high nutritive value for animal feeding and its ability to adapt to various edaphic–climatic conditions. However, limited information is available about genotypic and environmental effects on agronomic, nutritional, and an...

The rangelands of Crete island (Greece) are typical Mediterranean habitats under high risk of degradation due to long-term grazing and harsh climatic conditions. We explored the effect of abiotic (climatic conditions, altitude) and biotic factors (long-term grazing by small ruminants) on the floristic composition and diversity of selected lowland (...

Small ruminant production is predominantly linked to the use of natural pastures; however the intensification process in past decades has led to a gradual abandonment of grazing and the prevalence of intensive patterns. This paper contributes to the discussion about the economic performance of small ruminant farms relative to the use of pastures. U...

Sheep and goat transhumance is still practiced in all parts of Greece, as it is suitable for the particular conditions of the country's mountainous areas. The purpose of this study was to present a set of alternative plans of development of the sector under the scenarios of extensification and premium product pricing. Alternative patterns of optima...

Livestock production in EU is highly depended on imported soybean exposing the livestock farming system to risks that related to global trade of soybean. Lupin species could be a realistic sustainable alternative source of protein for animal feeding. Lupinus is a very diverse genus with many species. However, only four of them namely L. albus, L. a...

The objective of this study was to characterise the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile of plant species, bulk forage grazed by sheep and produced milk at different mountainous areas of Greece. The most abundant plant species of vegetation at 800 m (hill‐land) and 1300 m (highland) altitude, bulk forage and milk samples, were collected. The V...

The objective of this study was to compare the fatty acid and terpene profile of ovine and caprine milk from animals raised under a semi-extensive production system in commercial farms located in Northwest Greece. Regarding fatty acid profile, ovine milk had a higher percentage of conjugated linoleic acid (CLAcis-9, trans-11) as well as higher perc...

The multiple agroforestry land uses of oak forests are of great ecological and economic interest as they contribute to the improvement of animal husbandry, wildlife, and environment. However, herbivory by wildlife and livestock highly affects the structure and the dynamic of forest ecosystems including its regeneration. The aim of this study was to...

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of seasonality on the chemical composition and concentration of phenolic compounds in some ligneous species. The research was conducted at the Aristotle University's farm, Thessaloniki, Greece. From five ligneous species (Robinia pseudoacacia var. monophylla, Amorpha fruticosa, Colutea ar...

Transhumant flocks graze the vegetation of medium and high elevation rangelands during late spring to autumn depending on the geographical area and climatic conditions. This study aimed to assess and interpret the impacts of transhumance decline on the land use/cover on Mountain Vermio, for the period 1985-2009. For many years, this area has receiv...

Recent changes in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) introduced different definitions regarding the eligibility of various types of land used by grazing animals. In particular, shrublands and other low-quality areas which have traditionally been used as grazinglands are now not eligible for European Union income support payments. Subject to these...

The impact of altitudinal zone on the nutritional quality of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) acorns was assessed in Xirovouni Mountain shrublands in northwestern Greece. Whole acorns were collected during autumn 2011 from 15 sites located at three altitudinal zones (i.e. lower, middle, upper). Kermes oak acorn samples were manually separated into...

Grazing is an economically and environmentally valuable activity in phryganic Mediterranean ecosystems. The herbaceous vegetation of these ecosystems provides an essential feed source for grazing ruminants. Despite the extension and economic importance of phryganic ecosystems in Mediterranean Basin there has been relatively little scientific focus...

Limited information is available about the selection of effective mycorrhizae and the exploitation of their beneficial effects on the enhancement of the forage production of Medicago sativa under the predicted warmer and drier conditions in the Mediterranean region the following years. The objective of this study was to test the effects of Rhizopha...

Abstract. Legumes are particularly important feed sources for livestock due to their high nutritive value. The objective of this study was to examine the agronomic phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) of Trifolium subterraneum at different seeding rates (13, 17, 20 kg ha-1) and phenological stages (inflorescence, fruiting). The experiment was conducted...

Natural and semi-natural grasslands comprise a major part of Mediterranean ecosystems and they are mainly used for livestock grazing. However, legume species are not usually found there, probably due to poor management practices. The present study aimed to evaluate the capacity for establishment of two introduced legumes (Trifolium michelianum and...

Goats are characterized as selective feeders due to their specific feeding behavior, thus the study of their seasonal preferences in a Mediterranean oak-juniper ecosystem is of great interest. The current research was conducted in an open oak forest in Megalo Dereio region, northeastern Greece which was grazed mainly by a flock of 650 local breed g...

Transhumance is still practiced in Greece, however a general trend of intensification of productionoften compels transhumant farmers to adopt innovations and modern standards. Within this context, only vertical flock movements are done by foot, while for longer distances trucks are generally used. This study presents the traditional route which was...

Rangelands constitute a very important natural resource occupying 38% of the total surface in Cyprus. Besides their essential forage production for the extensive livestock farming, they contribute in outdoor recreational activities, protection from erosion, provision of water supplies and biodiversity conservation. Despite their important role in t...

The objective of this study was to examine the combined effects of selenium (Se) enrichment and water stress on the accumulation of available macro- and micronutrients in Melilotus officinalis L. aerial parts. Plants of M. officinalis were subjected to three levels of Se addition (0, 1 and 3 mg Se L-1 water) and to two water treatments: a) full irr...

The herbs are an integral component of everyday life and culture in all over the world for centuries. These plants are used in pharmaceuticals, in cosmetics, in cooking and in recent years, in food technology as antioxidants. The Greek flora is rich in native herbs and the climatic and soil conditions are prevailing the possibility of their cultiva...

Forest products can be distinguished into wood and non-wood. Non-wood forest products are defined as all the products other than wood derived from forests, shrubs and tree plantations. The main sources of these products are trees, understory plants, mushrooms, and animals. The purpose of the present study was to record the herbaceous and woody taxa...

Forest products can be distinguished into wood and non-wood. Non-wood forest products are defined as all the products other than wood derived from forests, shrubs and tree plantations. The main sources of these products are trees, understory plants, mushrooms, and animals. The purpose of the present study was to record the herbaceous and woody taxa...

Legumes are important feed source for small ruminants due to their high nutritive value. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of phosphorous fertilization (40 kg ha-1 and control) and seeding rate (20, 17 and 13 kg ha-1) on forage production and the nutritive value of Trifolium subterraneum collected at two phenological stages (ear...

Plants of Melilotus officinalis L. were subjected to two different treatments: a) no selenium (Se), and b) addition of 3 mg Se L−1 irrigation water for 45 days and samples of leaves, stems and roots were analyzed for Se, potassium (K), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). Crude protein (CP...

Poster Presentation

Lotus corniculatus is a highly diverse legume with good adaptability to different soil and climatic conditions. The objective of this research was to estimate the phenotypic diversity of individual L. corniculatus plants growing under two different habitat types with different grazing management. The collection of plant material was conducted in fo...

Οι λειμώνες μπορεί να συμβάλλουν ουσιαστικά στην ορθολογική και οικονομική διατροφή των αγροτικών ζώων καθώς και στην αποφυγή υποβάθμισης του φυσικού περιβάλλοντος, ιδιαίτερα σε ορεινές και ημιορεινές περιοχές με εκμετάλλευση οριακών και εγκαταλειμμένων αγρών. Η επιλογή του κατάλληλου είδους έχει μεγάλη σημασία για την επιτυχία εγκατάστασης του λει...

Limited information is available about the impact of grazing on soil and plant nutrient contents in Mediterranean deciduous oak forests grazed by both livestock and wild life. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of wild boar and small ruminants grazing in a coppice oak forest in N Greece. Eight even-aged stands of s...

The rangeland ecosystems of Greece are constituted by a large number of plant species. Many of these plant species have medicinal properties. These medicinal plant species have been used since antiquity in order to cover medicinal needs. Moreover, some of these plant species cover the same needs up until now. The science development permitted the a...

Goats are classified as selective feeders due to their specific feeding behavior, thus the study of their seasonal preferences in a Mediterranean oak-juniper ecosystem is of great interest. The current research was conducted in an open oak forest in Megalo Dereio region, northeastern Greece which was grazed mainly by a flock of 650 local breed goat...

Limited information is available regarding the selection of effective mycorrhizae and the exploitation of their beneficial effects on the enhancement of the forage production of Dactylis glomerata under the predicted warmer and drier conditions in the Mediterranean region. The objective of this study was to test the effects of Glomus intraradices,...

Dactylis glomerata L. is a widespread perennial grass species, which has been reported to be adapted to shaded conditions. Its populations thrive in a variety of environments. However, little information is available concerning the comparative response of its natural populations from contrasting environments under the reduced light intensity condit...

Rangelands in Greece constitute a very important natural resource as they occupy 40% of the total surface. Not only is their forage production essential for the development of extensive livestock farming, but also they play a key role in outdoor recreational activities, protection from erosion, provision of water supplies and biodiversity conservat...

Production and nutritive value of forage in silvopastural systems can be improved by introducing shade- tolerant grass and legume species in appropriate mixtures. The management of these systems can present a challenge regarding the selection of the proper grass and legume species as well as the maintenance of the optimum balance between the two sp...

Quarrying contributes significantly to the economy of a country. However, it entails the destruction of the natural vegetation, the removal of the surface soil and the deposition of inactive materials. The lack of fertile topsoil in these disturbed areas is usually a problem for the plant cover establishment. The purpose of this study was to invest...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different defoliation frequencies on winter forage production and nutritive value of improved population of Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn. Four entries, a) base population, b) selected plants from mass honeycomb selection (MHS), c) selected plants from pedigree honeycomb selection (PHS) an...

The effect of grazing intensity on the understorey vegetation of an open coppice oak forest was studied. The research was conducted in the area of Great Dereio, which is located in Evros prefecture, northeast Greece. There, an open silvopastoral system occurs, extending in the thermophilous deciduous oak zone (Quercion frainetto). The area is graze...

Herbage production and nutrient content are affected by light interception and soil fertility. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of artificial shade and fertilization on herbage production, growth characteristics, and nutrient content of the grass species Dactylis glomerata and Festuca ovina, and the legume species Trifolium sub...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different defoliation frequencies on winter forage production and nutritive value of improved populations of Dactylis glomerata L. Four entries: (a) base population, (b) selected plants from mass honeycomb selection (MHS), (c) selected plants from pedigree honeycomb selection (PHS), and (d)...

The effect of grazing chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) vs. perennial ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne L./Trifolium repens L.) on lamb and ewe performance and parasite control was studied in Scotland. Two experiments were conducted from turnout (32 days post-parturition) to weaning 10 weeks later. In experiment 1, 36 parasitized Scottish Blackfac...

Minerals and N have a significant impact on animal performance. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fertilization and artificial shading on N and various mineral contents of the above ground biomass content of the species Festuca ovina, Dactylis glomerata, Trifolium repens and Trifolium pratense. Three artificial shade trea...

– Herbaceous species, in rainfed pastures of the Mediterranean zone, reach maturity very early in the growing season due to the warm and drought conditions. Introduction of drought tolerant grass and legume species in the appropriate mixture could increase the herbage production and the nutritive value. The objective of this paper was to compare mo...

– Morus alba is a high quality and forage species, recently introduced in the Mediterranean rangelands. The effects of water stress on growth parameters of M. alba were studied. M. alba seedlings were planted under a transparent shelter. Three irrigation levels (100%, 50%, and 25% of water-holding capacity) were applied. Half of the plants were cut...

SUMMARY - An in vivo trial was conducted in order to evaluate the nutritive value of white oak (Quercus pubescens Wild.) browse, during summer. Four indigenous goats (5-6 months, 24 ±0.9 kg BW) were placed in metabolic cages for a 20-d period. Fresh oak branches were offered to the goats and replaced, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., every two hours. The oak...

Browse species in the Mediterranean area are an important feed source, especially during the summer/autumn period when herbaceous species senesce and do not meet animal nutrient requirements. The effect of laboratory drying method on estimated nutritive value of Arbutus andrachne, an evergreen shrub, Gleditsia triacanthos (acanthos), a deciduous le...

SUMMARY - The effect of the drying method on the forage quality of two browse species (Arbutus unedo and Robinia pseudoacacia) was investigated at three phenological stages. Hand-picked samples were dried either in oven or under frozen conditions (freeze-drying). The chemical composition of the samples was determined and their nutritive value was a...

The use of different types of phenolic binding agents (PBA) in conjunction with the invitro gas production technique for the assessment of phenolic related antinutritive factors in browse were compared. During a grazing trial by goats, three fractions, grazed leaves (GL), ungrazed leaves (UL) or stems of ungrazed leaves (US) of Robiniapseudoacacia,...

Grazing can affect the structure and species composition of plant communities. This impact varies widely in space and time according to habitat characteristics (abiotic factors) and primary consumers (biotic factors). The effect of grazing on ground cover, species composition, and species richness was studied in various habitats of Pertouli area (C...

RESUME – "Reprise de croissance de deux espèces ligneuses soumises à différentes intensités et fréquences de coupe". Les effets d'intensité et de fréquence des coupes sur la reprise de la croissance des deux espèces ligneuses (Amorpha fruticosa et Colutea arborescens) ont été étudiés. Deux traitements d'intensité des coupes étaient appliqués : la f...