Identification of sheep robust to climate change and variability

Livestock production, in particular sheep farming, faces the challenge of increasing food production in the context of limited resources, with less access to arable land and supplements. In addition, explained by variability and climate change, access to high-quality and quantity pastures and water would be soon restricted. Furthermore, sheep will be more frequently and for longer periods exposed to higher temperatures, to changes in the rainfall pattern and to a scenario of pests and diseases different from the current one. Moreover, considering that sheep have been selected for improved production for a long period of time, it is possible that modern sheep are less robust. There are also society's concerns about livestock farming contribution to methane emissions, animal welfare, food/feed competition, food security and safety, and antiparasitic and antimicrobial resistance. To face this scenario, more efficient, resilient, and adapted animals are needed. The present work aims to review the concepts of robustness, resilience and efficiency, and present studies on these characteristics within breeds and/or breeds that could be considered in the sheep genetic improvement programs for a scenario of climate change and variability.