If their adaptive potential is assessed in other agro-ecological zones, farmers could benefit.In the present study, two breeds - Osmanabadi and Salem Black - were assessed for their climate adaptability. Indigenous breeds are well known for their survival in native tracks of their origin. This makes Salem black goat more suited for climate resilient farming.
They have found that indigenous breeds like Salem black goat express high levels of plasma leptin and HSP 70 genes under heat stress. The new study says these two variables could be ideal biomarkers to reflect the impact of heat stress on meat characteristics and productivity. Plasma leptin reflects nutritional status of goats while HSP70 gene could reflect the magnitude of heat stress. The levels of this protein, along with that of plasma leptin can indicate heat resilience. Severe heat stress leads to production of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) which improves cell survival and prevents protein degradation. In ruminants like goat, heat stress can significantly affect meat yield, quality and composition. In this direction, Indian scientists have identified two variables which could be used assess resilient capacity of indigenous breeds of goats. In order to sustain rural livelihoods, it is critical to identify livestock breeds that are climate resilient. Climate change is posing a challenge not only to agricultural crops but also to livestock.