Climate change and livestock : Impacts and mitigation
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P Mayengbam and TC Tolenkhomba
Contd from previous issue
In cows and pigs, it affects oocyte growth and quality (Barati et al., 2008; Ronchi et al., 2001), impairment of embryo development, and pregnancy rate (Hansen, 2007; Nardone et al., 2010; Wolfenson et al., 2000). Cow fertility may be compromised by increased energy deficits and heat stress (De Rensis and Scaramuzzi, 2003; King et al., 2006). Heat stress has also been associated with lower sperm concentration and quality in bulls, pigs, and poultry (Karaca et al., 2002; Kunavongkrita et al., 2005; Mathevon et al., 1998).
Livestock diseases
Temperature rise due to global warming is likely to cause an increase in animal diseases that are spread by insects and vectors (Tubiello et al., 2008; Thornton et al., 2010).
The direct effects are related to the increase of temperature, which increases the potential for morbidity and death. Elevated temperature and humidity will favour spread and growth of insects/vectors. Incidences of both protozoan and viral diseases affecting livestock will spread in susceptible population. Incidences of protozoan diseases like trypanosomiasis and babesiosis are likely to increase in high producing crossbred cattle and may be higher than the present. Climatic conditions favourable for the growth of causative organism during most of part of the year due to temperature rise will facilitate spread of diseases in other seasons and also increase area of their spread.
Efficiency of Production System
At the end of twentieth century the world witnessed a shift in the “centre of gravity” of livestock production, from North to South, from temperate regions to sub-tropical environments. In 1998, India emerged as the world’s largest milk producing country surpassing the United States. Earlier China overtook the United States and the entire European Union in terms of meat production.
These changes are only indicative of the fact that livestock production system efficiency in tropical and subtropical regions is comparable.
The Indian livestock production system contributes not only in terms of milk but also for animal power and majority of farms in India are dependent on animal power.
(To be contd)
Contd from previous issue
In cows and pigs, it affects oocyte growth and quality (Barati et al., 2008; Ronchi et al., 2001), impairment of embryo development, and pregnancy rate (Hansen, 2007; Nardone et al., 2010; Wolfenson et al., 2000). Cow fertility may be compromised by increased energy deficits and heat stress (De Rensis and Scaramuzzi, 2003; King et al., 2006). Heat stress has also been associated with lower sperm concentration and quality in bulls, pigs, and poultry (Karaca et al., 2002; Kunavongkrita et al., 2005; Mathevon et al., 1998).
Livestock diseases
Temperature rise due to global warming is likely to cause an increase in animal diseases that are spread by insects and vectors (Tubiello et al., 2008; Thornton et al., 2010).
The direct effects are related to the increase of temperature, which increases the potential for morbidity and death. Elevated temperature and humidity will favour spread and growth of insects/vectors. Incidences of both protozoan and viral diseases affecting livestock will spread in susceptible population. Incidences of protozoan diseases like trypanosomiasis and babesiosis are likely to increase in high producing crossbred cattle and may be higher than the present. Climatic conditions favourable for the growth of causative organism during most of part of the year due to temperature rise will facilitate spread of diseases in other seasons and also increase area of their spread.
Efficiency of Production System
At the end of twentieth century the world witnessed a shift in the “centre of gravity” of livestock production, from North to South, from temperate regions to sub-tropical environments. In 1998, India emerged as the world’s largest milk producing country surpassing the United States. Earlier China overtook the United States and the entire European Union in terms of meat production.
These changes are only indicative of the fact that livestock production system efficiency in tropical and subtropical regions is comparable.
The Indian livestock production system contributes not only in terms of milk but also for animal power and majority of farms in India are dependent on animal power.
(To be contd)