Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change
Open Access

Abstract

The impact of climate change on human, animals, ecosystems and energy is enormous. Climate change could affect animal production and well-being, especially because of increases in air temperature. However, the knowledge of animal responses to heat stress during the hot months in several areas of the world, as well as during extreme heat events, may be used to evaluate the impacts of global change. Higher temperature and higher humidity are most favorable for growth and proliferation of disease-producing microbe as higher body temperature indicates all metabolic reactions to reduce the body’s capacity to fight the disease. The breakdown of the body immune system further weakens the capacity of the animal to resist diseases. Multiple attacks of the FMD outbreak and others are corresponding to climate change. Temperature and humidity with water recording are most favorable for parasitic species and disease vectors. Helminths infestation connected with the climate in many tropical countries resulting in a reduction of the growth rate among sheep and goats. Exposure of farm animals to elevated temperatures results in the decrease of body weight, average daily gain, growth rate and body total solid, which is reflected by poor reproduction. The crossbreds and buffaloes are affected more than indigenous livestock. Since the crossbreds and buffaloes are more sensitive to temperature rise than indigenous cattle, a rise of 2-6°C due to global warming will negatively impact growth, puberty and maturity of crossbreds and buffaloes. Some current practices to reduce heat stress in farm and dairy animals, such as shades, sprinklers and ventilation will be suitable for modifying to future climates if the economics of heat stress management do not change radically. However, farmers are not quite aware of the impacts of global warming; therefore, good research work is needed to help them take strategic and planned decisions.

Biography

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