Up to 90 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated during sheep production arise from enteric fermentation, a natural digestive process in ruminants that produces methane as a by-product. As pressure mounts on all livestock sectors to reduce environmental impacts, sheep producers are being asked to balance sustainability with productivity, animal health and welfare, and long-term farm viability.
A new book, Advances in sheep production, brings together global research and practical insight to address these interconnected challenges. Co-edited by independent livestock consultants Lesley Stubbings and Kate Phillips, the publication examines how science, management and innovation are reshaping sheep systems in response to environmental, economic and climatic pressures.
“There are more than 1.2 billion sheep worldwide, with sheep farming practiced in almost every country,” says Francis Dodds, Editorial Director at Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing. “It was therefore integral to Lesley, Kate and the Burleigh Dodds team that the book featured contributions from researchers based in major sheep farming regions such as China, USA, New Zealand and the UK,” he adds.
Methane and the broader environmental picture
Methane emissions from enteric fermentation are widely recognised as a leading environmental concern for the sheep industry. Unlike carbon dioxide, methane is a short-lived but potent greenhouse gas, making it a key focus for mitigation strategies. While much attention is often placed on feed additives and late-stage production interventions, the book highlights that sustainable change must be addressed across the entire production system.
Alongside methane, land use and soil health present significant challenges. Historic overgrazing in some regions has contributed to soil degradation and biodiversity loss, undermining long-term productivity and ecosystem resilience.
“Although land use change is often associated with cattle systems, sheep have had some impact on regions globally,” says Dr Hollie R. Riddell, Bangor University, UK. “For example, in Ethiopia, forests were converted to be used as common land grazing for sheep and cattle and a significant soil carbon decline was seen as a result,” she adds.
These examples underscore the importance of context-specific management and long-term planning, particularly in regions where sheep production intersects with sensitive ecosystems.
Regenerative approaches and conservation grazing
Despite these challenges, the book also points to emerging opportunities. As regenerative agriculture gains momentum, sheep are increasingly being recognised for their potential role as conservation grazers. In low-intensity systems, carefully managed grazing can promote plant diversity, improve soil structure and support carbon sequestration.
Rather than being viewed solely as contributors to environmental pressure, sheep are being repositioned as tools for landscape management and ecosystem restoration. This shift reframes sustainability as a system-wide outcome influenced by stocking rates, grazing timing and integration with other land uses.
For Canadian producers, these concepts are particularly relevant in mixed and marginal landscapes where sheep can complement cropping systems or support pasture renovation while maintaining biodiversity.
Genetics and resilience at the front end
While many sustainability measures are applied later in the production cycle, Advances in sheep production places strong emphasis on the front end of the system. Advances in genetic research are opening new pathways to breed sheep with traits that improve efficiency, resilience and health, while potentially reducing environmental intensity per unit of product.
Selective breeding for feed efficiency, disease resistance and adaptability to heat or variable weather conditions is becoming increasingly critical as climate patterns change. Temperature, humidity, rainfall, solar radiation and wind patterns all influence animal performance, health challenges and pasture growth, making resilience a core component of future flock improvement strategies.
Genetic tools also offer opportunities to improve welfare outcomes by reducing susceptibility to disease and stress, thereby aligning environmental goals with ethical production standards.
A global, trusted resource
The strength of the new publication lies in its breadth and its international perspective. By drawing on expertise from major sheep-producing regions, the book provides comparative insights while recognising regional differences in climate, policy and production systems.
“This collection brings together valuable, up-to-date information across a wide range of subjects that are critical in understanding challenges and solutions for sheep production today,” says Dr Nicole Lambe, SRUC, UK. “The high calibre of well-regarded authors will ensure that this publication provides a trusted source of information for a wide-ranging audience,” she concludes.
Looking ahead for sheep producers
For sheep producers, policymakers and advisors, the message is clear: sustainability in sheep production is not defined by a single metric or solution. Methane mitigation, land stewardship, genetic progress and animal welfare are deeply interconnected. Addressing one area in isolation risks overlooking the broader system impacts that ultimately determine both environmental and economic outcomes.
As the sheep sector continues to evolve, resources such as Advances in sheep production provide valuable guidance on how science and practical management can work together. By combining global research with on-farm application, the industry is better positioned to meet environmental expectations while continuing to produce high-quality protein and fibre for a growing population.
For Canadian sheep farmers navigating climate uncertainty and shifting public expectations, these insights reinforce the importance of adaptability, evidence-based decision-making and a long-term view of sustainability.