Earlier this week, the annual Conference on Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural and Natural Resource Management (TROPENTAG) was held in Zurich. Check out blog postings on animal science; view abstracts of the presentations and posters on animal breeding, husbandry and health, forages and feeding systems, and animal nutrition and supplementation … Continue reading
Category Archives: Animal Production
Africa / Animal Feeding / Animal Production / Asia / Climate Change / ILRI / Latin America
Climate change? Blame it on production practices, not just cows
Environmentalists say cows’ methane-filled flatulence and burps are partly responsible for the changes in the earth’s climate. But a new study from the Kenya-based International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) suggests that we can curb cattle-generated greenhouse gas emissions by improving degraded lands, making breeds stronger and changing the animals’ diets. The study’s findings are published … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Production / Climate Change / Drought / East Africa / ILRI / Insurance / Kenya / Livelihoods / Livestock / Pastoralism
Coping with drought – livestock insurance
In Kenya, the International Livestock Research Institute, working with partner organisations, has developed an insurance scheme for livestock farmers. The insurance enables farmers to protect their livelihood against the risk of drought. It works through satellite images, which can be used to measure the amount of grazing available in areas covered under the scheme. If … Continue reading
Animal Health / Animal Production / Climate Change / Emerging Diseases / Livestock Systems / Zoonotic Diseases
OIE examines links between animal production, climate change and emerging diseases
The detection of links between animal production systems around the world, climate change and the epidemiological evolution of animal diseases was the focus of a meeting organised by the OIE with experts from several continents. “The experts confirmed that there are correlations between the various factors linking animal production systems, human influence on the environment, … Continue reading
Ethiopia: Pastoralism against the odds
Pastoralists’ disproportionate contribution to Ethiopia’s economy is belied by their marginalized status and by policy assumptions that they would be better off farming. But those who raise livestock tend to make the most of marginal land, according to experts, and are often proficient at adapting to changing circumstances. “People think that pastoralist production systems are … Continue reading
Agriculture in Africa is changing rapidly
WINDHOEK – “Agriculture in Africa is changing rapidly,” says Mario Herrero, a researcher working in Nairobi, Kenya for the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Herrero was addressing participants in a session on livestock in a changing climate in Windhoek, Namibia, at the annual regional dialogue on food security. Herrero and his colleagues use scenario analysis … Continue reading
Animal Production / Asia / India / Insurance / Livestock / South Asia
Iffco-Tokio, OLRDS in pact for insuring cattle
Iffco-Tokio General Insurance (ITGI), a general insurance providing company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Orissa Livestock Resources Development Society in India. The pact is to implementa the company’s newly launched Pasudhan Bima Yojana on a pilot basis to insure the cattle. Read more … (Business Standard) Continue reading
Animal Production / Asia / Climate Change / India / Livestock / South Asia
Proper livestock management can reduce global warming – Narayan Hegde
Livestock (cattle) the world over release about 18 per cent of carbon dioxide equivalent of methane through digestive and respiratory systems. Pune-based BAIF Development Research Foundation has published a concept paper taking note of this significant and dangerous contribution to global warming and how to cut down emission of methane by these animals using proper … Continue reading
Africa / Animal Production / Dairying / Insurance / Livelihoods / Livestock / Malawi / Southern Africa
Livestock insurance for milk farmers in Malawi
Insuring livestock against risks and uncertainties is the only way that will boost Malawi’s dairy farming. Nico General Insurance, Marketing Manager Mr. Harry Mhone said this Tuesday when Land O’Lakes handed over a milk cooling tank for farmers in Mzuzu. The beneficiaries, Kapacha Milk Bulking Group, will use the tank to store milk before and … Continue reading
Animal Production / Asia / India / Insurance / Livestock / South Asia
Livestock insurance: Learning from India and the world
Around 50 million households in India depend on livestock for sustenance. Livestock acts as insurance for households that depend on agriculture for income. For close to 18 million households, livestock is the primary source of income. While the share of agriculture in the GDP has declined over the years, the share of livestock in agriculture … Continue reading
ILRI Clippings 