Assessing the impact of global warming on livestock health and productivity

Abstract

Global warming, driven by the anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O, has led to a continuous rise in atmospheric temperatures, posing significant challenges to livestock health and productivity. Dairy cattle, in particular, are highly vulnerable to thermal stress caused by climate change. Elevated temperatures disrupt physiological, metabolic, and behavioral functions in livestock, leading to decreased milk production, impaired reproductive performance, increased susceptibility to diseases, and higher mortality rates. These effects collectively undermine the profitability and sustainability of livestock farming systems. To mitigate the adverse impacts of heat stress, adaptive strategies such as climate-resilient shelter design, genetic improvement for heat tolerance, optimized nutrition, and the use of advanced technologies like automated sensors and artificial intelligence are essential. This review highlights the multifaceted impacts of global warming on livestock health and productivity and explores sustainable management practices to enhance resilience in the face of climate change.