Importance of Climate in Animal Health | Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Science Optional for UPSC PDF Download

Importance of Climate in Animal Health

• Direct and Indirect Impact:
  • Climate affects livestock production directly and indirectly.
  • Direct effects directly influence animals, while indirect effects impact overall production.
• Heat Production and Disposal:
  • Livestock have limited ways to control heat production.
  • They can reduce certain activities, but basic body processes must be maintained.
• Grazing Behavior:
  • Cattle adjust their grazing behavior based on climate.
  • High temperatures result in less grazing time and lower production.
• Feed Intake and Utilization:
  • Hot climates reduce feed intake and efficiency in utilizing feed.
  • Climatic stress lowers appetite, impacting growth rate and milk production.
• Sheep and Lambing:
  • Sheep in hot climates may have fewer lambs, and those born may be small and weak.
  • Lambs born after a hot summer are typically smaller than those born in the spring.
• Piglets at Birth:
  • Piglets are vulnerable to extreme temperatures at birth.
  • They can't protect themselves well against excessive heat or cold.

Impact of Temperature on Animals

• Chick Sensitivity:
  • Young chicks are less tolerant to heat compared to adult birds.
  • If the air temperature goes above 35°C (95°F), there's a risk of day-old chicks overheating in their boxes.
• Poultry Growth and Milk Quality:
  • High ambient temperature hampers the growth rate of poultry.
  • It also affects the quality and quantity of milk products in animals.
• Reproductive Challenges in Cattle:
  • Cattle in sub-tropical areas face challenges with sudden temperature fluctuations.
  • High temperatures directly impact reproductive performance, leading to issues like embryonic death and fetal dwarfing in ewes.
• Impact on Imported Sheep and Goats:
  • Sheep and goats imported to tropical regions from temperate zones may face fertility challenges.
  • These animals may be less fertile or even sterile for up to a year after importation due to high ambient temperatures.
• Effects on Sows and Egg Production:
  • High temperatures affect embryo survival in sows.
  • There's an impact on estrus, the egg-laying rate, total eggs laid, and a decrease in egg weight and shell thickness.
  • Fertility and hatchability of eggs are also reduced in high ambient temperatures.

Climate's Indirect Effects on Animals

• Limited Feed Supply:
  • Hot climates limit the availability of food for animals.
  • The quality of the feed decreases, meaning it has fewer nutrients.
• Breeding Ground for Pests:
  • High temperatures and humidity create a favorable environment for pests like parasites, fungi, and disease-carrying vectors.
  • These pests harm the health and productivity of livestock.
• Overall Impact:
  • Climate strongly influences the well-being and productivity of animals.
  • Animals in temperate climates tend to be healthier and produce better.
  • Conversely, high temperatures in the environment can negatively affect animal health and production.