IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE LIVESTOCK SECTOR: AN OVERVIEW

Anthropogenic activities in the recent years have caused much damage to the environment. This is probably being reflected in the climate change that the world is witnessing currently. Published reports reveal rise in mean annual temperatures and alterations in precipitation patterns across the globe. The climate change has direct effects on the agricultural sector, of which the livestock sector is a sub-set. The livestock sector supports the economy of developing and underdeveloped countries besides being one of the major source of protein nutrition across the world. However, it is sensitive to climate change and has restricted abilities to cope up with the stress generated from such variations. Alterations in climatic factors have direct effects on livestock health that affect their productivity and reproductive efficiency. This can lead to decreased production of milk, meat, eggs, wool, etc. causing the livestock sector to incur financial losses. Erratic patterns of rainfall and drought may affect the growth of feed crops and water supply for the livestock sector. Insufficient nutrition and drinking water can further weaken them making them vulnerable to diseases. The condition is further aggravated because of the behaviour of parasites, pathogens and vectors in response to climate change. Warmer climates have been found to be associated with their augmented proliferation, virulence and transmission because of direct modifications of their life cycles and breeding patterns. The negative effects on animal health, either directly or due to diseased conditions, increase their mortality rate. Literature highlights a dearth of research in this field despite its importance. Understanding these implications through proper monitoring can help to develop sustainable livestock management programmes in the near future with reduced financial losses.