Biological markers for climate change: Impact in sheep

Abstract

This chapter is intended to provide an overview of previous studies into heat stress and markers that are associated with thermo-tolerance in sheep, as well as other ruminant species that may be considered models for biological processes in sheep. The chapter is divided into two major parts. The first part examines the roles of well-documented heat stress-related biological markers such as heat shock proteins and genes associated with favourable phenotypes such as coat colour and texture. The second part looks at research using methodologies such as microarray, transcriptomics and genomics that have been employed for the identification of novel genes or markers associated with traits of interest. Finally, the chapter concludes with a summary of the observed and expected impacts that climate change will have upon disease. Advances in our understanding of the physiological and biochemical challenges associated with heat stress in sheep and other ruminants, and utilizing this information to deliver increased thermotolerance, will be critical to the continued productivity of dairy, meat and fibre sectors in livestock globally.