Clean, green, ethical (CGE) management: what research do we really need?

Industries based on small ruminants are major contributors to world food supply but, in extensive grazing systems, reproductive technology is not directly relevant to most enterprises. In addition, there is a need to respond to rising demand for products that are ‘clean, green and ethical’ (CGE). This combination of issues led to the concept of CGE management in which the environment of the animal is used to control reproduction. Nutrition is the primary factor – we need to use grazing of forages and pastures, but responding to this challenge opens up opportunities – new forages can supply energy and protein whilst improving animal health and welfare, and reducing carbon emissions. We also need accurate coordination of nutritional inputs with reproductive events to ensure that the metabolic signals are appropriate to the stage of the reproductive process. To control of the timing of reproduction, we begin with simply managing the presence of the male but then seek more precision through the greater use of ultrasound.
Finally, breeding for genetic improvement should always be part of industry strategy and is critical in the long-term development of CGE management. Most aspects of CGE management have a strong genetic component, as evidenced by variation among genotypes, and among individuals within genotypes. One of the most exciting possibilities arises from the recent discovery that genetic improvement in the rate of muscle accumulation can accelerate sexual maturity in your female sheep, potentially leading to simultaneous improvements in meat production and reproductive efficiency.
It would be difficult to incorporate the entire CGE package at once, so we need to introduce the various elements of the CGE package in stages, adapting the process to cover variations in genotype and in the geographical and socio-economic environments. Some concepts might need further research and development in local conditions. Importantly, CGE management must be seen as a simple and cost-effective way to improve productivity whilst safeguarding the future of the industries in society and the marketplace.