Impacts of Climate Change on Animal Production and Product Quality

Abstract

Climate change is very challenging for global livestock production because it effects both production efficiency of animals and product quality. The complex impacts of climate change on animal production cover several aspects including effects on animal health, reproduction imparity, alteration of product composition, and concerns about global food security. Frequent heat waves, changing season and precipitation patterns, changes in atmospheric temperature and humidity, and altering disease dynamics affecting livestock productivity either in a direct or indirect way. Reproduction imparity such as poor fertility rate is occurring more frequently among animals due to high ambient temperatures. In addition, climate-induced vegetation changes affecting forage quality that is causing scarcity of feed resources. Water quality is also being affected due to rises in sea level and salination. Among environmental stressor, heat stress is causing the most distress to animals by compromising their health and welfare. Therefore, declining overall profitability for farmers. Apart from this, climate change has a huge impact on animal product quality and composition. Heat stress along with altered forage quality is a potential factor responsible for reduced milk yield, protein, and fat composition in dairy cattle. Meat texture and flavor can also be affected by higher ambient temperatures. High temperature-humidity index (THI) is believed to be negatively affecting most quality parameters in eggs. There is an urgent need to address these challenges by implementing comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies such as improved management practice in hot regions, genetic selection of more resilient breeds, and introduction of smart agricultural practices and technologies. Moreover, collaboration among organizations, farmers, and researchers is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on livestock production and ensure global food security in a sustainable way.

Keywords

• Climate
• Heat stress
• Animal health
• Production systems
• Milk quality

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