About Book

Domesticated livestock have played a pivotal role in the development of human civilizations around the world and continues to be an integral part of human culture, society, and the local and global economy. Livestock refers to the practice of raising domesticated animals in order to produce food, labour and fiber. Also included in it is, animal husbandry, which refers to the maintenance, breeding and slaughter of these animals. The livestock sector provides us with meat, dairy and eggs, as well as wool and leather. There has been rapid global expansion of production and consumption of animal products which is expected to continue to grow. Intensive animal farming increases the yield of the various commercial outputs, but has also led to negative impacts on animal welfare, the environment, and public health. In particular, livestock especially beef, dairy and sheep stocks, have out-sized influence on greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. This book talks thoroughly about the various concepts of livestock production and management. It will also give detailed explanations about the practices of animal welfare and environmental impact. It explores quantitative genetic application, livestock-handling, sources of greenhouse gases, livestock animals, livestock reproduction, livestock nutrition, climate change and livestock production systems. It unfolds the innovative aspects of animal rearing and farming practices which are closely related to livestock management in an interesting manner. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on livestock management have been included in this elaborate book. Some of the diverse topics covered in the book address the different branches that fall under this category. Those in search to broader their knowledge about livestock production management will be greatly assisted by this book.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Domestic Livestock and Its Alleged Role in Climate Change........1

Abstract...................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................2

2. Methodological procedure...................................................................3

3. Results and discussion.........................................................................3

4. Conclusion............................................................................................14

Acknowledgements.............................................................................15

Conflict of interest..............................................................................15

Chapter 2 HVAC Techniques for Modern Livestock and Poultry Production Systems........................................................................................................21

Abstract.................................................................................................21

1. Introduction..........................................................................................21

2. General thermal modification systems for housed livestock and

poultry...................................................................................................22

3. Space and zone heating for housed livestock and poultry........26

4. Space and zone cooling for housed livestock and poultry........26

5. HVAC design for virus control........................................................29

6. HLLP design for livestock and poultry welfare...........................31

7. Conclusions..........................................................................................31

Chapter 3 Current and Future Improvements in Livestock Nutrition

and Feed Resources..................................................................................33

Abstract.................................................................................................33

1. Introduction..........................................................................................34

2. Nutrient requirements for livestock................................................35

3. Livestock feed availability and nutrition.......................................43

4. Formulation of least cost rations.....................................................44

5. Some biotechnological and allied applications employed in

livestock nutrition...............................................................................45

6. Practical application of biotechnology in monogastrics (poultry,

pigs, and fish) and ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats)............48

7. The application of nanotechnology in livestock nutrition and

feeding...................................................................................................52

8. Conclusion............................................................................................53

Acknowledgements.............................................................................54

Chapter 4 Transcriptome Analysis of Non‐Coding RNAs in Livestock Species:

Elucidating the Ambiguity.....................................................................60

Abstract.................................................................................................60

1. Introduction..........................................................................................61

2. Transcriptome analysis of non‐coding RNA.................................61

3. Tools for ncRNA identification........................................................73

4. Tools for differential expression analysis of non-coding RNA.80

5. Bioinformatics tools for target prediction and functional inference

of non‐coding RNA............................................................................80

6. Emerging platforms and technologies for understanding and

using ncRNAs......................................................................................86

7. Conclusion and remarks....................................................................88

Acknowledgements.............................................................................89

Chapter 5 Mitigation of the Heat Stress Impact in Livestock

Reproduction............................................................................................110

Abstract...............................................................................................110

1. Introduction........................................................................................111

2. Impact of heat stress on female reproduction............................112

3. Male reproductive performance.....................................................121

4. Mitigation strategies to ameliorate the impact of heat stress..125

5. Conclusion..........................................................................................129

Chapter 6 Bacterial Tick-Borne Diseases of Livestock Animals....................140

Abstract ..............................................................................................140

1. Introduction ......................................................................................140

2. Bacterial tick-borne diseases of livestock animals ....................141

3. Conclusion..........................................................................................157

Chapter 7 Livestock as Sources of Greenhouse Gases and Its Significance to Climate Change ......................................................................................163

Abstract ..............................................................................................163

1. Introduction ......................................................................................164

2. Livestock and climate change from global food security

perspectives .......................................................................................165

3. Livestock as source of greenhouse gas (GHGs) ........................165

4. Models for forecasting the greenhouse gas emission in livestock

farms ...................................................................................................174

5. Conclusion .........................................................................................176

Chapter 8 Livestock-Handling Related Injuries and Deaths..........................183

1. Introduction ......................................................................................183

2. Epidemiology ....................................................................................184

3. Livestock behavior ...........................................................................191

4. Types of livestock-handling related injuries and deaths .........199

5. Preventive measures for livestock-handling related injuries and

deaths .................................................................................................206

6. Conclusion & recommendations ...................................................213

Chapter 9 Quantitative Genetic Application in the Selection Process for Livestock Production..............................................................................227

1. Introduction ......................................................................................227

2. Genetic parameters for selecting process ...................................228

3. How to approach the optimum selection in genetic

program...............................................................................................251

4. Optimal selection index ..................................................................252

5. Selection index applications in livestock improvement ...........254

6. Conclusion .........................................................................................260

Citation......................................................................................................263

Index...........................................................................................................265

About Author

Jaiden Martin pursued his Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Science, Copenhagen. He has all-inclusive areas of academic and research interests, which include animal husbandry, livestock management and livestock production. He serves as a Guest Lecturer at University College, Florence. Martin is a member of several scientific and agricultural societies, where he continues to share his expertise and knowledge in the field of livestock production and its management. He has written several books and research papers on behavior of domestic animals, adaptation of domestic animals, reproduction and breeding techniques for animals.