Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Context: Provide a brief introduction to India’s livestock sector and its importance.
• Relevance of the Issue: Explain the significance of climate stress on livestock productivity.

2. Impact of Climate Stress on Livestock Productivity

• Milk Production:
  • Explain how climate stress affects the neuroendocrine response of animals, leading to reduced milk production.
  • Fact: The negative impact of global warming could reduce India’s milk production by over 15 million tonnes by 2050.
• Reproductive Health:
  • Discuss how high temperatures and humidity impact reproductive functions of livestock.
  • Fact: High temperatures and humidity can impair reproductive health by affecting cellular functions in animals.
• Feed and Water Resources:
  • Detail how climate stress reduces the productivity of grazing lands and access to water.
  • Fact: More than 60% of India’s livestock depend on rainfed areas and are vulnerable to climate change.
• Vector-Borne Diseases:
  • Explain the spread of diseases due to increased temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.
  • Fact: Heat stress weakens immunity in livestock and reduces the effectiveness of vaccinations, leading to higher disease susceptibility.

3. Adaptation Strategies to Mitigate Climate Stress

• Feeding Management:
  • Describe practices to reduce internal heat in livestock, such as using nutrient-dense feed and wetting straws.
  • Fact: Correct feeding practices can reduce internal heat and support better livestock performance during extreme temperatures.
• Improved Housing:
  • Suggest the construction of better animal shelters with adequate ventilation and cooling methods.
  • Example: Roofing materials that reflect heat and provide open space for ventilation.
• Weather Forecasting and Early Warning Systems:
  • Explain how technology can help farmers prepare for extreme weather events like heatwaves and cold spells.
  • Fact: Early warning systems are critical for minimizing livestock damage during extreme weather events.
• Climate-Resilient Breeding:
  • Promote the use of local breeds adapted to harsh climatic conditions.
  • Fact: Breeds like Kankrej, Tharparkar, and Jaffrabadi buffaloes perform better in heat-stressed environments.
• Integrating Livestock with Agricultural Systems:
  • Discuss the benefits of integrating crop and livestock systems for better climate resilience.
  • Example: Integrating pasture with grain crops can ensure a more diversified and resilient system.

4. Conclusion

• Summary: Recap the challenges posed by climate stress on livestock productivity and the potential solutions.
• Importance of Adaptation: Emphasize the need for a multi-pronged approach to ensure the sustainability of India’s livestock sector.

Relevant Facts for the Answer

1. Milk Production:
   • Climate stress could reduce milk production by over 15 million tonnes by 2050.
2. Reproductive Impact:
   • High air temperature and humidity impact cellular functions, leading to impaired reproduction in livestock.
3. Vulnerability of Livestock:
   • Over 60% of livestock in India depend on rainfed areas, making them vulnerable to climate variability.
4. Heat Stress and Immunity:
   • Chronic exposure to heat stress impairs immune response in livestock, making them susceptible to diseases.
5. Adaptation Measures:
   • Feeding practices like wetting straws help reduce internal heat in livestock.
   • Local breeds such as Kankrej, Tharparkar, and Jaffrabadi are resilient to harsh climates.
6. Integration with Agriculture:
   • Integrating livestock with agriculture creates a diversified system, making it more resilient to climate change effects.