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Impact of climate change on cattle and ways of its mitigation
M. V. Hladii, M. I. Kuziv, N. M. Kuziv
Institute of Animal Biology NAAS, 38 V. Stusa str., Lviv, 79034, Ukraine
The results of scientific research on climate change occurring on our planet at the present stage are presented in the review. The impact of heat stress on the well-being and productivity of large cattle is considered. Adaptation, as a process of adjustment in natural systems to global climate change, is presented. Among the major risks negatively affecting and continuing to impact the economic development of the livestock industry is climate change on our planet. In Ukraine, the problem of heat stress becomes urgent in the summer. Heat stress has a negative effect on the welfare, health, and productivity of animals. The responses to heat stress include decreased fodder consumption, searching for a shadow, greater sweat production and shortness of breath, higher consumption of water and frequency of drinking, longer standing time and shorter lying time. Heat stress has a direct effect on performance through the decrease in fodder consumption and milk synthesis. Heat stress causes a decrease in the reproductive function of animals. The consequences of the on the reproductive function of cattle depended on the magnitude and duration of its effect, the breed, and physical activity of animals. Many strategies for adapting to climate changes in livestock industry consider the short-term impact on animals during intense heat. However, in modern conditions of climate change, one should be governed by strategies leading to the long-term solution to the problem. One of these is the genetic adaptation of animals, involving the resistance to heat stress as a functional trait in the programs of animal breeding. Genetic diversity of animals will be important in further breeding work with cattle.
Key words: climate change, large cattle, heat stress, animal health, milk productivity, adaptation
