The research and development programmes in dairy sheep in the Basque Country

The paper gives an overview of the different research and development programs (milk recording, breeding scheme, production systems, food quality, animal health, etc.) implemented for the Latxa sheep breed in the Spanish Basque Country. As a result, the system has achieved high levels of professionalization, which can be reflected in the outstanding quality of food products. However, there are still crucial challenges to be faced for the sustainability of the system.