Animal Production / Climate Change / Dairying

New FAO report assesses dairy greenhouse gas emissions

The dairy sector accounts for around four percent of all global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) according to a new FAO report. This figure includes both emissions associated with the production, processing and transportation of milk products as well as emissions related to meat produced from animals originating from the dairy system. Read more . … Continue reading

Animal Diseases / Disease Control / Emerging Diseases / Pigs / Zoonotic Diseases

Good practices for biosecurity in the pig sector

Animal diseases that are known to spread primarily through human activities can be prevented and controlled through the application of biosecurity measures along the production and marketing chain, together with increased awareness and education. It is this notion that makes biosecurity so critically important in the prevention, control and elimination of transboundary animal diseases (TADs), … Continue reading

Climate Change / Livestock

Now it’s CowGate: expert report says claims of livestock causing global warming are false

It is becoming difficult to keep pace with the speed at which the global warming scam is now unravelling. The latest reversal of scientific “consensus” is on livestock and the meat trade as a major cause of global warming – one-fifth of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to eco-vegetarian cranks. Now a scientific report delivered … Continue reading

Agriculture / Brazil / Climate Change / Latin America / Livestock

Climate change – Brazil: The threat posed by livestock

The livestock industry has less economic clout than the oil industry, but ranchers say it has better arguments to defend itself from accusations regarding its share of responsibility for global warming. The livestock industry represents 40 percent of agricultural production worldwide and provides a livelihood and food security to one billion people. The fact that … Continue reading

Agriculture / Asia / India / Livestock / South Asia

Livestock rearing — key to poverty reduction strategies

From equity and livelihood perspectives, livestock rearing must be at the centre stage of poverty alleviation programmes. Livestock rearing is a key livelihood and risk mitigation strategy for small and marginal farmers, particularly across the rain-fed regions of India. Livestock products comprised 32 per cent of the total value of agriculture and allied activities in … Continue reading

Climate Change / Drylands / DRYLANDSCRP / Environment / Pastoralism

Review of evidence on drylands pastoral systems and climate change

In light of global concerns over the impacts of climate change and climate variability, this FAO document provides an overview of opportunities for adaptation and mitigation in dryland pastoral and agropastoral systems. It makes a case for a concerted global effort to promote mitigation practices that also have benefits for adaptation and livelihoods of pastoralists … Continue reading

Climate Change / Crop-Livestock / Livestock

Towards a more sustainable livestock sector

FAO report analyzes the rapidly changing global livestock production Urgent investments, major agricultural research efforts and robust governance are required to ensure that the world’s livestock sector responds to a growing demand for animal products and at the same time contributes to poverty reduction, food security, environmental sustainability and human health, FAO said today in … Continue reading

Animal Breeding / Indigenous Breeds / Livestock

Livestock keepers: Guardians of biodiversity

Smallholder farmers and pastoralists fulfill an invaluable yet undervalued role in conserving biodiversity. They act as guardians of locally adapted livestock breeds that can make use of even marginal environments under tough climatic conditions and therefore are a crucial resource for food security and possibly for adapting to climate change. But in addition, by sustaining … Continue reading

Africa / Agriculture / East Africa / ILRI / Kenya / Livestock

Livestock – the lifeline of hundreds of millions of people

Livestock production in developing and developed countries are different. Livestock beneficial for developing nations is harmful for developed countries. While rising consumption of meat, milk and eggs is one of the factors in epidemics of obesity and heart disease in developed countries, consumption of meat and milk in developing countries is associated with good rather … Continue reading

Animal Diseases / Bird flu / Disease Control

Preparing for highly pathogenic avian influenza

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) represents a threat to poultry industries worldwide and to people’s livelihoods, and a potential threat to human health. The international community has a vested interest in minimizing the spread of this disease. Countries may be under threat of introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza through unregulated poultry trade and marketing … Continue reading