This review was focused to assess the current status of climate change impact on production and reproduction performance of Cattle under Global condition. Climate is one of the determining factors for production and reproduction in farm animals throughout the world. Its effect is higher in cattle than in other ruminants. Cattle, beef and dairy can be affected by heat stress, particularly in feedlot situations or when grazing fescue-infected pastures. Climate change affects both male and female reproductive performance of cattle by altering their physiological process. In contrast of this, cattle are the most contributors for climate change causes than other farm animal. To minimize climate change impacts on animal(cattle), the climate adaptation and mitigation measures such as diversification of animals (within species), using different crop varieties, and shifting to mixed crop-livestock systems, improving productive and reproductive indexes (reducing age on slaughter, age at first calving and calving interval), increasing the longevity of reproductive cows; improving the genetic merit, improving quality and type of feed and provide ventilation, water, and shading seem to be the most promising adaptation and mitigation measures.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
2.1. Global Climate Change and Animals
2.2. Climate Change and Agro-Ecological Zones
2.3. Climate Change and Food Security
2.4. Current Status of Climate Change and Cattle
2.5. Effects of Climate Change on Cattle Production
2.6. The Direct Effects
2.6.1. Effects on animal disease
2.7. The Indirect Effects
2.7.1. Effects on feed resources availability and quality
2.7.2. Effects on availability, quality and demand of water
2.8. Impact of Climate Change on Cattle Reproduction
2.8.1. Impact of heat stress on female reproductive performance
2.9. Impact of Heat Stress on Male Reproductive Performance
2.9.1. Impact of increased ambient temperature on energy balance and metabolism
2.9.2. Impacts of thermal stress on rumen health and pH
2.9.3. Impacts of thermal stress on milk production
2.9.4. Impact of nutritional stress on reproduction
2.10. Mitigation Strategies to Combat Climate Change impacts on livestock
2.10.1. Summarizing adaptation and mitigation practices
2.10.2. Adaptation measures
2.10.3. Livestock production and management systems modification
2.10.4. Breeding strategies
2.10.5. Farmers’ perception and adaptive capacity
3. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to review the impact of climate change on cattle production and reproductive performance, while identifying potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize these adverse effects. The research focuses on the physiological and metabolic consequences of heat stress and environmental changes on cattle.
- Impact of climate change on global livestock production and food security.
- Direct and indirect effects of climate change on animal health and disease incidence.
- Physiological impacts of thermal stress on male and female cattle reproductive performance.
- Metabolic consequences of heat stress, including changes in energy balance and rumen health.
- Strategic adaptation and mitigation measures to improve livestock resilience and productivity.
Excerpt from the Book
2.8.1. Impact of heat stress on female reproductive performance
Infertility is the main problem that influences reproduction in both native and crossbred cows and heifers in Ethiopia (Ramendra et al., 2016). A period of high-temperature results to increase secretion of endometrial PGF-2α, there by threatening pregnancy maintenance leads to infertility (Ramendra et al., 2016). A high level of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) inhibited implantation, altered embryo development and induced luteal regression (Takahash, 2012). Plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) surge increases and inhibit concentrations decrease during heat stress leading to variation in follicular dynamics and depression of follicular dominance that could be associated with low fertility of cattle during the summer and autumn (Ramendra et al., 2016). On the other hand, heat stress decreases fertility by diminishing quality of oocytes and embryos through direct and indirect effects. (Lacerda &Loureiro, 2015; Damitie, 2016).
Chapter Summaries
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the role of climate change as a major factor affecting livestock production, specifically focusing on the cattle sector in Ethiopia and the global challenges of extreme weather.
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: This extensive section details the multifaceted impacts of global climate change on animals, covering agro-ecological zones, food security, direct/indirect effects, reproductive disturbances due to heat stress, and various mitigation strategies.
3. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: This chapter synthesizes the evidence regarding the physiological and metabolic disturbances in cattle caused by global warming and reiterates the importance of adaptation and mitigation policy frameworks.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS: This section provides actionable advice, including the need for specialized cattle production strategies, further research on water availability, and integrating climate change awareness into educational curricula.
Keywords
Cattle, Climate change, Reproduction, Production, Heat stress, Mitigation, Adaptation, Livestock, Food security, Thermal stress, Metabolic, Fertility, Breeding strategies, Global warming, Sustainability
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper provides a comprehensive review of how climate change impacts the productivity and reproductive performance of cattle globally and proposes strategies to mitigate these effects.
Which key areas of cattle production are analyzed in this review?
The review covers the influence of climate change on feed resources, water availability, disease dynamics, and the specific physiological responses of cattle to heat stress.
What is the primary objective regarding reproductive performance?
The main objective is to understand how thermal stress negatively alters male and female reproductive processes, such as hormone levels, conception rates, and embryo development.
What scientific methodology is utilized in this paper?
The document is a scientific literature review that synthesizes findings from existing global studies, reports, and academic research to provide an overview of current knowledge and future considerations.
What topics are covered in the literature review section?
It covers global climate trends, agro-ecological impacts, food security, direct effects (disease), indirect effects (feed/water), detailed reproductive impacts, and mitigation strategies.
How would you characterize the main keywords?
The work is centered around the intersection of climate change and cattle husbandry, emphasizing keywords related to physiological stress, reproduction, and management adaptation.
How does heat stress specifically affect milk production in dairy cattle?
Heat stress causes reduced feed intake and metabolic shifts, such as lower hepatic glucose synthesis and reduced mammary gland glucose supply, which ultimately results in lower milk yield and quality.
What is the role of farmers’ perception in climate adaptation?
Understanding farmers' perception is critical because it influences the adoption of new technologies and strategies; education and social interaction can help farmers better implement necessary adaptation measures.
Why is agroforestry suggested as a mitigation measure?
Agroforestry helps by maintaining a balance between agricultural production and environmental protection, offering benefits like carbon sequestration and improved biodiversity.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Demissie Jorge (Autor:in), 2022, Impact of Climate Change on Cattle and Mitigation Strategies, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1167516
