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ARS Home » Plains Area » Las Cruces, New Mexico » Range Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #402678
Research Project: Science and Technologies for the Sustainable Management of Western Rangeland Systems

Location: Range Management Research

Title: Teaching old cattle breeds new tricks: Adaptation in the age of megadrought

Author
item Spiegal, Sheri
item Bestelmeyer, Brandon
item Cibils, Andres
item REDD, MATTHEW - The Nature Conservancy
item Estell, Richard

Submitted to: Ecological Society of America (ESA)
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2023
Publication Date: 8/11/2023
Citation: Spiegal, S.A., Bestelmeyer, B.T., Cibils, A.F., Redd, M., Estell, R.E. 2023. Teaching old cattle breeds new tricks: Adaptation in the age of megadrought. Ecological Society of America (ESA). Abstract.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cows? At ESA? Indeed, viewpoints on ruminant livestock vary among attendees. Some emphasize crucial benefits for pastoral communities and the potential for pastoralist-led conservation; others cannot overlook histories of land degradation or the warming effects of eructation. Most agree that innovative strategies which maximize rangeland health and human welfare are needed, especially in the age of megadrought. Our multisector, multidisciplinary research group studies the environmental, economic, and social impacts of using new precision livestock farming technologies with old cattle genetics (brought to the Americas in 1493!), We've found some tradeoffs that will surprise you. Let's discuss!