Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: OL005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.OL005
Published online: 22 April 2026
Climate change and alternative farming species
Francisco Ceacero
Department of Wildlife and Animal Science, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Praha – Suchdol, 16500, Czech Republic
Corresponding author: ceacero@ftz.czu.cz
Climate change exerts strong pressures on current global livestock systems, challenging the long term viability of both intensive and traditional production models. Greater climatic variability and increases in temperature and the frequency of extreme events are altering key aspects of conventional livestock farming, such as forage availability, water resources, and disease dynamics. Heat stress directly reduces growth rates, milk yield, and reproductive performance, while droughts reduce pasture quality and availability and intensify reliance on expensive external feed inputs. Moreover, shifts in pathogen and vector distributions are increasing the incidence of parasitic and infectious diseases, further constraining productivity. These stressors collide with the societal demands for sustainable animal production and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need for adaptive strategies that enhance resilience and sustainability. Alternative livestock species are thus the complementary, necessary response to these emerging challenges.
Among ungulates, species such as deer (red deer, fallow deer, reindeer), camelids, and even antelopes like the common eland demonstrate efficient water use, selective foraging strategies, and lower maintenance requirements, allowing them to maintain reasonable productivity rates under conditions that constrain traditional livestock. Their digestive efficiency and reduced methane emissions position them as promising candidates within climate smart livestock systems. Moreover, their integration into diversified production landscapes may mitigate pasture degradation, enhance nutrient cycling, and support multifunctional land use. By summarising the current evidence on their performance, environmental impacts, and management considerations, this contribution aims to provide a critical assessment of how alternative species can contribute to resilient, low emission livestock systems in a rapidly changing world.
Keywords: climate pressures; efficient water use; selective foraging strategies; sustainable animal production
How to cite
Ceacero F., 2026. Climate change and alternative farming species. In: 5th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.OL005