Vol. 7, Issue 3 (2018)

Author(s):
Subhashree Sarangi

Abstract:
Globally, livestock play an important role in the economy of thousands of poor farmers who earn their livelihood by rearing them in different terrains and climatic conditions. However, livestock production both contributes to and is affected by climate change. In addition to the physiological effects of higher temperatures on individual animals, the consequences of climate change are likely to include increased risk that geographically restricted rare breed populations will be badly affected by disturbances. Indirect effects may be felt via ecosystem changes that alter the distribution of animal diseases or affect the supply of feed. Breeding goals may have to be adjusted to account for higher temperatures, lower quality diets and greater disease challenge. In the objectives of livestock production, it is essential that the option value provided by animal genetic diversity be secured.