Adaptation strategies to sustain Osmanabadi goat production in a changing climate scenario

Abstract

Small ruminants are an integral part of farming systems in the tropical, subtropical, and arid regions of the world. Goats are considered suitable animals in such regions, since they were the first domesticated animals in the hot and arid zones of the world. Goats are considered as an ideal animal model to meet the global demands for animal protein in the changing climate scenario. Understanding the multifaceted impacts of heat stress on goat production is the prerequisite for the development of appropriate strategies to sustain goat production in the face of climate change. The identification of thermo-tolerant genes can help to improve the resilience capacity of existing non-descript goat breeds through marker-assisted selection. The strategies to augment goat production during extreme climatic conditions may be broadly categorized under management and nutritional strategies. The management strategies for Osmanabadi goat production under changing climate scenario comprise of housing, environment reproductive and health management. Technological interventions such as estrus synchronization, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer protocols may help to improve the reproductive efficiency in indigenous breeds such as Osmanabadi goats. The nutritional interventions comprise of mineral, electrolyte and antioxidant supplementation, utilization of unconventional feed resources, feeding tree foliage and leaves, fat and feed additives supplementation. Efforts are also needed to understand the occurrences and epidemiology of diseases under climate change and appropriate management should be provided by health and prevention programs.