Ruminant Production and Reproductive Performance in Tropical Environments

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change poses a major global threat to the agriculture and livestock industries. Ruminants are considered one of the main sources of animal protein and raw materials for other industries. Globally, more than 50% of the cattle and goat populations, nearly 80 % of buffalo, and 30% of sheep are produced in the tropics. Under recent climate change conditions, it is expected that ruminants, especially those in the tropics, will face a yearly increase in heat waves during their lifetimes. Climate change in the tropics is characterized by a high ambient temperature, high humidity, and drought. These environmental circumstances are unsuitable for most ruminant species to express their maximum productive/reproductive capacities and maintain good health statuses. This Special Issue aims to collect cutting-edge research presenting innovative solutions to maintain ruminant production sustainability under tropical conditions. These studies should be underpinned by scientific information on the subcellular and cellular responses of animals, their genetic backgrounds regarding resilience, and their tolerance or adaptation to the challenges of a changing climate. We are seeking grazing, feeding, management, and welfare practices as well as assisted reproductive techniques and artificial intelligence-based solutions, either in small or large farming systems, that can improve production, product quality, quantity, and food safety in these areas. 

We invite you to contribute original research articles and reviews to this Special Issue to broaden our knowledge on the hot topic of climate-smart agriculture, including the livestock sector, which has fewer studies in the literature compared to its plant/crop/forest/aquatic counterparts.

Dr. István Egerszegi
Prof. Dr. Nesrein M. Hashem
Dr. Rafael Goes
Guest Editors

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• ruminant
• tropics
• heat stress
• production
• fertility
• welfare
• management
• feeding
• local breeds
• CSA