Responding to the Increase Global Demand for Animal Products

An International Conference organised by:
British Society of Animal Science
American Society of Animal Science
Mexican Society of Animal Production

Hosted by the Universidad Autonoma de Yucatan

University Cultural Centre
UADY, Merida, Mexico,
12-15 November 2002

This meeting is being organised to address the issue of
responding to the global demand for an increase in  animal 
products and the effects of this on livestock producers in
developing countries.

Theme 1
How do trade agreements make livestock producers vulnerable?
* Marginalisation of the livelihoods of resource-poor farmers
* Socio-economic impacts
* Marketing: Global and domestic markets, subsidies, pricing
* Consumer preferences (global and local)
* Trade issues:
  Biotechnology and welfare  regulations, national and
  international transmission of animal disease
* GM Crops as animal feeds
* Animal breeds - indigenous vs exotic
* Food security
* Government polices

Theme 2
What is the ecological impact of production systems (small 
holder, intensive and extensive)?
* Ecological/environmental impact
* Animal welfare
* Sustainable systems for small holders
* Effects of new technologies: Biotechnologies
* Pollution, soil erosion Biodiversity
* Nutrient cycling Food safety
* Silviculture Integrating crops and animals

Theme 3
What is the role of animal science research?
* What research and intervention methodologies are required?
* How do you improve adoption?
* Systems that create opportunities to take up new knowledge
* Participatory research
* The roles of commercial,  public organisations, civil
  societies and NGOs
* Social structure; Risk; Institutional reform
* Cross sectional alliances

More information at the conference website http://www.asas.org/merida02

Information is also available on the BSAS website http://www.bsas.org.uk