Certain genes can help sheep become climate resilient 8 April 2021 | Some breeds of sheep are more resilient to temperature fluctuations making them more productive Pinpointing genes relating to variations in milk production could help breed animals resilient to warming conditions, new research has shown. Groups of genes may enable some sheep to remain productive in hot and cold conditions, according to UK and Greek scientists. Selecting animals with those genes for breeding could help flocks adapt in the region, they say, which is vulnerable to climate change. Some Chios sheep in the Mediterranean - whose milk is used to produce feta cheese - are more resilient than others to temperature fluctuations throughout the seasons.