Senior Officer (Insect-borne diseases)
Editor, World Animal Review
FAO Animal Production and Health Division
Le pr�sent num�ro de la Revue mondiale de zootechnie pr�sente une s�lection d'articles qui illustrent la diversit� des activit�s de la recherche-d�veloppement en mati�re de zootechnie pour la promotion et l'am�lioration de l'agriculture animale. Le rythme de croissance de la population humaine, associ� au d�veloppement �conomique et urbain, a une incidence consid�rable sur la production animale en raison, notamment, de la demande croissante de prot�ines d'origine animale. L'augmentation de la demande de viande, d'œufs et de produits laitiers de bonne qualit� et � des prix raisonnables a encourag� l'intensification et l'industrialisation rapide de la production animale, ce qui a eu des incidences �conomiques, sociales et �cologiques � l'�chelle mondiale. La FAO, dans le cadre du mandat r�vis� dont elle est investie afin d'agir de mani�re d�cisive pour soulager la faim et r�aliser l'objectif de �la nourriture pour tous� d'ici � l'an 2010, a reconnu la n�cessit� d'une approche int�gr�e et pluridisciplinaire en mati�re de production agricole en mettant en place le Programme sp�cial pour la s�curit� alimentaire. A cet effet, des structures ont �t� cr��es au sein de l'Organisation afin de r�unir des sp�cialistes repr�sentant toute la gamme des activit�s n�cessaires pour r�aliser le d�veloppement durable.
El presente n�mero de la Revista mundial de zootecnia, presenta una selecci�n de art�culos que ilustran las diversas actividades de investigaci�n y desarrollo pecuarios que se est�n llevando a cabo con el fin de promover y mejorar la zootecnia. El ritmo de crecimiento de la poblaci�n humana, unido al desarrollo econ�mico y urbano, tiene repercusiones considerables en la producci�n pecuaria, en particular por medio de la creciente demanda de prote�nas derivadas de los animales. El aumento de la demanda de carne, huevos y productos l�cteos a precios razonables y de calidad elevada ha constituido un incentivo para la intensificaci�n e industrializaci�n r�pidas de la producci�n animal, acarreando as� consecuencias econ�micas, sociales y ecol�gicas de dimensiones mundiales. La FAO, en su mandato revisado de influir de manera significativa en el alivio del hambre y el suministro de �alimentos para todos� para el a�o 2010, ha reconocido la necesidad de un enfoque multidisciplinario integrado de la producci�n agropecuaria por medio del Programa especial para la seguridad alimentaria, creando estructuras dentro de la Organizaci�n para reunir expertos en representaci�n de la amplia gama de actividades que son necesarias para conseguir un desarrollo sostenible.
In this issue of World Animal Review, unlike recent preceding issues, the focus on a specific theme has been discarded in favour of presenting readers with a selection of articles which illustrate the miscellany of livestock research and development activities being undertaken in order to promote and improve animal agriculture.
The pace of human population growth coupled with economic and urban
development has a considerable impact on livestock production, particularly through the
growing demand for animal-derived protein. This is most evident in the Asia region where,
in the last 30 years, increases in biomass holdings of poultry and pigs have risen from 4
million to 14 million tonnes and from 7 million to more than 25 million tonnes,
respectively. Recent studies undertaken at FAO on global livestock geography indicate that
the wetter areas of China now form the epicentre of monogastric animals, with 9 tonnes of
liveweight and an average of 260 people per square kilometre. The burgeoning demand for
reasonably priced and high-quality meat, eggs and dairy products has created the incentive
for the rapid intensification and industrialization of animal production, thus
representing economic, social and environmental implications of global dimensions.
This evolution presents all those involved in agricultural production, processing and
marketing with a plethora of interlinked problems and challenges of far-ranging
significance. The industrialization of farming practices not only introduces direct
concerns such as the growing conflict between the production of food and feed as well as
environmental worries about waste disposal, but it also impacts on traditional
smallholders who may no longer be competitive and may be forced into relinquishing their
land. Other changes may be expected in animal biodiversity and in the pattern and
epidemiology of zoonotic and animal diseases. The magnitude of these consequences is such
that they can no longer be viewed solely in the context of the region in which they occur
but demand global attention. The interdependency of the various components within this
cycle also requires an improved definition so that predictions on future trends facilitate
a better biological understanding of the possible impact of these human activities.
In today's increasingly competitive and economically driven environment, the survival of
small-scale and largely self-sufficient agricultural/rural populations is becoming ever
more precarious while, at the same time, greater demands are being placed on limited and
finite natural resources.
If this intensification of human agricultural activity is to be sustained and even
increased, it will also need mechanisms for effective coordination and collaboration at
the international level. As already demonstrated by the dilemma facing the world fishing
industry, the foundation for any success will lie in the availability of realistic and
respected policies that are not unduly influenced by short-sighted economic interests.
FAO, in its revised mandate to make a significant impact on hunger relief and "food
for all" by the year 2010, has recognized the need for an integrated,
multidisciplinary approach to agricultural production through the formation of the Special
Programme for Food Security (SPFS) where structures have been created within the
Organization to bring together experts representing the broad range of activities
necessary to achieve sustainable development.
These changes are further reflected in recent proposals for the reorganization of the FAO
Animal Production and Health Division, where there is a shift away from individual
specializations towards the development of a "farming systems" approach. These
changes, first announced to readers in our editorial comment in the 1995 50th anniversary
issue (World Animal Review, 84/85), now have more firmly established priorities.
Three subprogrammes, which constitute the "core activities" of the division,
have been created to address the major problem areas for livestock production in the
intensive or peri-urban, the mixed and the pastoral or extensive farming systems. Within
the peri-urban subprogramme, emphasis is placed on emerging infectious and zoonotic
diseases, environmental issues as well as product handling and marketing. In the mixed
farming system, attention is directed to the integration and intensification of livestock
and crop production, the sustainable use of natural resources and the general improvement
of animal health and husbandry practices. In the pastoral, extensive systems, priority is
given to the sustainable exploitation of scarce natural resources, disease control and the
improvement of production quality as opposed to just quantity.
Two additional subprogrammes address the specific issues of genetic conservation and
biodiversity and the major infectious and zoonotic diseases of significant emergency and
transboundary proportions affecting livestock production, human health and international
trade.
In order to coordinate the above activities and to ensure a "global
perspective", a sixth subprogramme has been created which aims to develop and
integrate the various livestock and animal health databases and information systems that
are becoming so essential to the planning process required to meet and sustain today's
demands.
These changes reflect the recognition that livestock production is fast becoming the
priority issue in agriculture and land use. It is placing an increasing and expanding
demand on veterinarians and production specialists alike. Those in positions of national
authority at the planning and policy levels will be required to adapt accordingly as the
industry expands and demands that these changes be viewed in the broader context of rural
development and the protection of our limited resources.
In the next few issues of World Animal Review, therefore, it is our intention to
select from submitted articles those that indicate these trends at various levels, the
problems being faced and the actions undertaken to address the multitude of issues at the
practical level. Readers who feel they may contribute to this subject are invited to
submit their articles to the Editor for consideration.