Adaptation strategies: ruminants

Abstract

Implications • 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 addition 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.