Mitigating the Impacts of Climate Change on Livestock Production Systems

Climate change severely impacts livestock production globally, affecting productivity, reproduction, health, and welfare across various species and systems. This article examines the detrimental effects of heat stress, drought, altered pasture availability, and increased disease prevalence on livestock, highlighting the vulnerabilities of different production systems. It explores adaptation strategies (environmental modifications, genetic improvements, optimized nutrition, improved pasture management) and emphasizes the crucial role of policy and institutional support for their implementation. The article concludes by outlining key research priorities for building climate-resilient and sustainable livestock systems.