Advances in Sheep Welfare

Advances in Sheep Welfare

Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition
2017, Pages 285-293
Advances in Sheep Welfare

15 - Future challenges and opportunities in sheep welfare

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100718-1.00015-7Get rights and content

Abstract

Looking towards 2050, it is clear that substantial increases in agricultural production efficiency are required to feed and clothe the projected growth in global population. To meet this need, we are likely to witness profound changes in sheep production systems and practices. These changes and associated challenges have been discussed in previous chapters. The expected main production trends include a decline in pastoralism and a commensurate intensification of the whole or part of the production system, along with an increase in the scale of individual sheep enterprises. Key drivers underpinning these trends include the need for increased output to meet consumer demand, increased capacity to mitigate and manage environmental variation in the quality of sheep products in the face of the effects of climate change, optimised labour and resource use efficiency, and proactive response to societal expectations for good sheep welfare. These expected shifts in the way sheep are farmed have the potential to yield both positive and negative impacts to animal welfare (discussed further later). Getting the balance right in terms of on-farm productivity and sustainability will be a major challenge for sheep industries in the future.

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