Rumen Microbiome Dynamics And Their Implications In Health And Environment

Rumen microbiome dynamics and their implications in health and environment

Sustainable Goat Production in the Changing Climate

Sustainable Goat Production in the Changing Climate aims to make the global scientific and academic communities aware of the potential of goats as a livestock of the future. When compared to more popular meat sources like cattle and swine, goats have a lower carbon footprint and can aid in mitigating the effects of climate change, as well as improving food production, poverty and equity issues. This book will discuss the implications of climate change on goat production systems and emphasize the physiological potential of goats to adapt to erratically changing climatic conditions. Furthermore, the book includes chapters on strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change on goat production and highlights novel technologies used to assess the impact of heat stress in goats. Technology transfer strategies and policy-related issues will also be covered.Written and edited by an international team of experts on goats, livestock, animal agriculture, and climate-smart food systems, Sustainable Goat Production in the Changing Climate will appeal to a broad audience, from researchers to livestock specialists, veterinarians, and policymakers in food and sustainability. - Explores the potential of goats as future livestock species for animal-origin foods - Summarizes the impact of climate change on goats and goat production systems - Proposes technological interventions, ranging from management to bio-technological solutions - Identifies gaps in technology transfer activities and policymaking and provides solutions

Recent Advances and Perspectives on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota of Small Ruminants

Ruminants are hoofed mammals with a unique digestive system that allows them to better create energy from fibrous plant material than other herbivores. Small ruminants (such as sheep and goats) play an important role in global food security and nutrition, as well as in the livelihoods of farmers and others along the food chain. Due to the unique digestive systems of ruminants, many major studies have focused on the effects of high-concentrate diets on rumen fermentation, ruminal acidosis, and their microbial properties and functions. Therefore, paying attention to the intestinal health of small ruminants during the rapid fattening stage has important implications for their health and productivity. Ruminants host a taxonomically diverse microbiota in their rumen, which is generally considered to be the most efficient natural fermentation system. Rumen microorganisms facilitate the degradation of otherwise indigestible plant fibres into absorbable compounds such as proteins and volatile fatty acids, the main source of energy and nutrition for ruminants. They are composed of a complex and dynamic assembly of bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa, and viruses. Diets and additives directly affect the number and viability of rumen microorganisms.