Adaptation strategies: ruminants

Authors

John B. Gaughan, The University of Queensland
Veerasamy Sejian, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bangalore
Terry L. Mader, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Frank R. Dunshea, The University of Melbourne

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2019

Citation

Jan. 2019, Vol. 9, No. 1

Comments

© Gaughan, Sejian, Mader, and Dunshed.

Open access

doi: 10.1093/af/vfy029

Abstract

• Growing populations and reduced access to arable land mean that animal production systems will either need to intensify and/or produce more from a reducing land and other resource base.

• Variable and unpredictable environmental conditions mean that animal production faces numerous challenges. In add- ition to climate, these challenges include increased disease risk, increased nutritional deficiencies, and lack of capital to support diversification.

• Predicted changes in climate will impose selection pressures on traits important for biological fitness (and production).

• Genetic adaptation is important for the future of livestock systems. Animal adaptation involves trade-offs, which must be considered when selecting animals for use in breeding programs.