Climate Change and Its Impact on Dairy Sector: Adaptation Strategies

R. Selva Rani

Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary physiology and Biochemistry, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu

 Abstract

Climate change has become a worldwide challenge for sustainable development, as its impacts pose considerable risks to the attainment of economic, social, and environmental sustainability objectives. Developing countries like India, where livestock sector and agriculture constitute the backbone of the economy. Millions of people are employed in this sector, which serves as a crucial source of employment and a means of reducing poverty. These workers range from smallholder farmers and landless labourers to corporate companies and organized cooperatives. Dairy farming provides steady income and employment options for rural communities, particularly for women. Climate change is a global threat that adversely affected the agricultural output and, consequently, the livelihood of the farming community as a whole, and small and marginal farmers in particular.

Keywords: Climate Change, Livestock, Impact, adaptation strategy

Introduction

India’s dairy sector represents one of the world’s largest, with milk production reaching 230 million tonnes annually, positioned as the globe’s leading milk producer. Agriculture and livestock are closely interconnected within the rural sector of the country (Ahmad et al., 2019). Any potential influence on one of these two significantly impacts the other. Livestock will be negatively impacted by climate change both directly and indirectly. Physiological (rectal temperature, respiration rate, dry matter intake, etc.) and production functions (milk output, meat production) will be directly impacted by increased heat stress (Davison et al., 1996). Reduced water availability, a lack of feed and fodder, a decline in biodiversity, and an increase in vector-borne livestock diseases are all indirect effects of climate change on cattle (Thornton et al., 2007). At the same time, livestock are significantly contributing to global warming and other environmental impacts.

Climate Change Impacts on livestock

Climate change has been a significant factor in the rising occurrence of disasters in recent years, such as cyclonic storms, floods, and droughts. As noted by Maitra and Shankar (2019), climate anomalies predominantly impact developing nations. Domestic animals are categorized as homeotherms, regulate their body temperature within a relatively narrow range. Four environmental factors that affect effective temperature include air temperature, relative humidity, air movement, and solar radiation. Variations in ambient temperature, whether above or below the thermo-neutral zone, can induce stress in the animal, subsequently affect the production, reproduction, and growth.  The temperature-humidity index (THI) is commonly employed to assess the level of stress experienced by dairy cattle. As the THI exceeds 74, high-producing dairy cows are negatively impacted.

Impact on Milk Production

The effects of climate change on livestock directly influence milk production. When Temperature-Humidity Index exceeding 80 causes heat stress to animals that adversely affects the yield and productivity of cattle and buffaloes (Upadhaya et al. 2009). Heat stress triggers physiological responses such as a rise in body temperature, increased respiration and heart rates, and a decrease in feed intake, all detrimental to milk production and animal health. Cross-bred cattle, which make up a significant portion of the Indian dairy population, show greater heat sensitivity when compared to native breeds. Studies indicate that milk production can decline by 20-30% during heat stress, particularly in high-yielding animals. Additionally, heat stress adversely affects milk quality, leading to lower fat and protein content, which in turn impacts market value. Studies indicated that heat stress during summer months causes elevated levels of acute-phase proteins, specific milk metabolites (like Non-Esterified Fatty Acids and beta-hydroxybutyric acid), and certain enzymes in dairy animals. This physiological shift directly impacts milk quality and yield

Impact on Reproduction

In cows heat stress severely impairs animal reproduction by disrupting hormone balances that leads to a diminished expression of behavioural signs of oestrus due to a decrease in oestradiol secretion from the dominant follicle. In such cases, the calving interval is extended, which in turn reduces the lifetime production of dairy animals. Furthermore, heat stress during pregnancy impedes foetal growth due to a reduced blood supply to the uterus, resulting in placental insufficiency that fails to deliver adequate maternal nutrients. This condition can lead to decreased foetal growth and calf size, and in some instances, may result in early embryonic death in animals subjected to heat stress.

In bulls, heat stress decreases sperm concentration and seminal volume. Studies indicate that during the summer months, the ejaculate volume, spermatozoa concentration, and sperm motility in bulls are diminished compared to the winter season (Krishnan et al., 2017).

Impact on animal Health

Climate change significantly impacts the disease ecology within dairy production systems. Variations in temperature and humidity allow vectors like ticks, mosquitoes, and flies to broaden their geographic distribution and extend the duration of transmission seasons, thereby promoting the spread of tick-borne diseases such as Theileriosis and Babesiosis, along with vector-borne viral diseases. Warmer and more humid conditions are conducive to the proliferation of gastrointestinal parasites and harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. Animals under heat stress show weakened immune responses, that increases their vulnerability to infections and delays recovery. Diseases that were once confined to certain regions are now becoming established in new locations as climatic conditions evolve. Nutritional shortages during periods of fodder scarcity further weaken immune function, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The economic impacts of disease include direct costs related to mortality and treatment, losses in production resulting from illness and recovery periods, and control expenses, which cover vaccination and preventive medications.

Indirect effect of climate change on livestock

The production of the animal depends on the type of feed it consumes. Over and under feeding should be avoided. Variations in temperature, precipitation, drought conditions, flooding, and severe weather have a direct impact on crop development, soil health, water resources, and the productivity of livestock. Climate change poses a substantial threat to pollinators by modifying their habitats, disrupting the synchronization of their life cycles with plants, and exacerbating extreme weather occurrences. This directly restricts the yields of crops that rely on pollinators, which in turn affects the livestock industry by diminishing the availability, quality, and affordability of nutrient-rich forage and protein-rich feed crops. Climate change causes shifts in disease vector distributions, degradation of feed and water security, and alterations in parasite life cycles.

Livestock’s Role in Climate Change

Although livestock are impacted by climate change, they also play a role in contributing to it. The livestock sector accounts for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, which consists of 9% CO₂ resulting from land-use changes driven by the demand for feed grains, grazing lands, and agricultural energy. Furthermore, it includes 37% methane emitted from enteric fermentation and manure management, along with 65% N₂O emissions from animal waste. Ruminants are less effective at converting forage into beneficial products compared to monogastric animals. Consequently, a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions is attributed to livestock. In India, ruminants, both small and large, contribute to 98% of the enteric methane emissions. More than 90% of the total methane emissions from enteric fermentation in India are produced by large ruminants, such as cattle and buffalo, with the remainder coming from small ruminants and other sources (Patra, 2017).

Indigenous, crossbred cattle, buffalo, sheep, and goats account for 40, 8, 40, and 10% of India’s methane emissions, respectively. When ruminant types and various feed supplies were taken into consideration, the average total methane emissions from Indian livestock were 10.08 MT (Singhal et al., 2005). Jha et al. (2011) estimated that the overall methane emissions from Indian livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, horses and ponies, camels, and pigs, were 9.92 ± 2.37 Tg. Due to their high animal populations, the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh were thought to be huge emitters of methane, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s 5.8 Tg of emissions. Goa, Sikkim, and Mizoram produced the least amount of methane.

Adaptation Strategies for Dairy Sector Resilience

It is crucial to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies to lessen the effects of climate change on livestock, considering their significance to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in India. Researchers have suggested various adaptation and mitigation approaches to reduce the impact of climate change on livestock. However, the applicability and feasibility of these strategies for smallholder farmers in India remain unclear. The temperature of the Earth has increased by 1°C over the last 150 years, and it is expected to rise by 5°C by the year 2100. Indian Meteorological Department determined in its report “Statement on Climate of India during 2018” that the rise in temperature in the Indian region closely mirrors the global average. Climate change by various route it affects the dairy animals, resulting in economic losses. Consequently, a multidisciplinary approach is essential to create effective methods for alleviating heat stress, which includes managing shelter, modifying the microclimate, overseeing feeding and nutritional intake, and enhancing genetics.

1. Genetic Improvement and Breed Development

A key component of Indian livestock strategies is the development of climate-resilient breeds. Features including heat tolerance, disease resistance, feed conversion efficiency, and low methane generation should be given priority in systematic breeding programs. Native cow breeds that have historically adapted to Indian climes, such as Sahiwal, Kankrej, and Gir, provide genetic resources for enhancing resilience. Explicit climate-resilience goals should be added to the National Dairy Development Board’s crossbreeding activities. Investing in genetic selection technologies makes it possible to identify and multiply desired features more quickly. International cooperation can promote technological transfer in genomic breeding and marker-assisted selection, especially with nations like Australia and Denmark. Sustained funding sources and institutional capacity building at veterinary and agricultural colleges are necessary for such initiatives.

2. Shelter modification

Shelter modification is an important method to reduce heat stress in dairy animals. Using of fans, sprinklers, and evaporative cooling systems reduces heat stress but these techniques are costly and mostly appropriate for large commercial farms in industrialized nations, Low-cost approaches are more sensible because the majority of dairy producers in India are smallholders with little resources. One such strategy is natural shade from trees is highly effective because it prevents solar radiation and cools the surrounding air. Simple asbestos-roofed or straw-thatched sheds are also affordable choices. Alternatives that can lessen heat stress at a cheap cost include village cooling ponds for cattle and buffaloes and the application of water prior to milking. Ponds must be properly maintained in order to prevent infections, and village Panchayats can assist the government in building and maintaining them.

3. Nutritional management

Climate-resilient feed systems improve livestock feed security during climate variability. Forage crops that can withstand drought, such as pigeon pea, cowpea, and pearl millet, ensure fodder availability in dry periods. Leucaena, Moringa, and acacias are examples of fodder trees that increase soil fertility and offer nutrient-rich feed. Making hay and silage helps save fodder for times when there is a shortage of feed. Income and feed efficiency are increased through crop diversification and better nutritional management. Zero-grazing practices and community pasture restoration improve cattle productivity and a sustainable feed source. Use of available green fodder during summer or efficient use of non-conventional feed resources or newer feed resources will help to negotiate the fodder scarcity produced due to adverse climatic condition (Behera et al., 2019).

4. Water Security and Conservation Measures

Water conservation practices improve the resilience of dairy systems during water shortages. Collecting rainwater through farm ponds and check dams helps with livestock and fodder irrigation. Drip and micro-irrigation techniques lower water usage in growing fodder. Recycling wastewater and enhancing dairy processing decrease the need for freshwater. Community-based water management and the integration of crops and livestock promote sustainable water use. Planning based on climate data helps ensure that crop and livestock systems are suitable for long-term sustainability.

5. Disease Surveillance and Integrated Health Management

Climate-adaptive disease management uses both preventive and responsive measures to protect livestock health. Strong disease surveillance and early detection systems help control new diseases quickly. Regular vaccinations and better hygiene reduce disease spread and improve animal health. Careful use of antimicrobials limits resistance while ensuring effective treatment. Integrated pest management decreases reliance on chemical pesticides and minimizes environmental harm. Reliable veterinary services and the inclusion of traditional knowledge promote sustainable and culturally suitable disease management.

6. Emission Reduction Strategies

Livestock agriculture contributes to climate change through methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions. Climate-Smart Livestock (CSL) policies promote methane-reducing feed additives like 3-NOP and seaweed supplements. Improved diet formulation using local high-quality feeds enhances nutrient efficiency and lowers emissions. Manure management practices such as composting and anaerobic digestion reduce emissions and produce biogas energy. Zero-grazing systems with proper manure handling minimize grazing-related pollution and methane release. Silvopastoral systems integrate trees with grazing to enhance carbon sequestration and climate resilience.

7. Market Diversification and Value Chain Resilience

Value chain diversification reduces climate change impacts by improving income stability during climate-related production losses. Value-added dairy products reduce wastage and increase profitability even when milk yield fluctuates. Farmer Producer Organizations and cooperatives improve resource sharing, market access, and resilience during climate shocks. Direct marketing reduces transportation and storage needs, lowering carbon emissions and post-harvest losses. Local processing units decrease long-distance transport, reducing fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.

8. Farmer Knowledge and Capacity Building

Extension services and farmer field schools promote climate-smart dairy practices and technology adoption. Farmer-to-farmer learning and knowledge networks improve awareness and sharing of adaptive strategies. Climate information services provide weather forecasts that help farmers make timely management decisions. Combining traditional knowledge with scientific information improves the effectiveness of climate adaptation measures. Digital advisory services and youth engagement support faster innovation adoption and long-term sustainability.

9. Policy Frameworks Supporting Adaptation

Supportive policies help reduce climate change impacts on dairy farming by promoting adaptation and reducing farmer risks. Subsidies, insurance, and concessional credit support investments in heat control, water conservation, and climate-resilient technologies. Research on heat-tolerant breeds, drought-resistant fodder, and early warning systems improves resilience to extreme weather. Region-specific adaptation strategies address local challenges such as heat stress, drought, cyclones, and floods. Monitoring and evaluation systems track adaptation success, farmer adoption, and climate impacts for better policy improvement. Participatory and adaptive management approaches integrate farmer feedback and traditional knowledge for effective long-term resilience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, climate change poses serious challenges to India’s dairy sector by affecting animal health, milk production, farmer livelihoods, and food security. However, effective adaptation strategies such as heat stress management, climate-resilient breeds, improved fodder and water conservation practices, disease control, and value chain diversification can enhance resilience and sustain productivity. Strengthening farmer knowledge, supportive policies, and climate-smart technologies are essential for long-term sustainability. Coordinated efforts among policymakers, researchers, extension agencies, and farmers are necessary to successfully implement these adaptation measures. Timely action is crucial to safeguard the dairy sector, protect rural livelihoods, and ensure India’s continued leadership in milk production under changing climatic conditions.

 Reference

1. Ahmad, S., Kour, G., Singh, A., & Gulzar, M. (2019). Animal genetic resources of India.An overview. International Journal of Livestock Research, 9(3), 1–12.
2. Behera, R., Rai, S., Sathpathy, D., Sahu, A., Karunakaran, M., Talokdar, A., … & Mandal, A. (2019). Climate smart livestock production. Innov. Farming, 4(1), 15-18.
3. Davison, T.; McGowan, M.; Mayer, D.; Young B.; Jonsson, N.; Hall, A.; Matschoss, A.; Goodwin, P.; Goughan, J. and Lake,M. (1996). Managing hot cows in Australia. Queensland Department of Primary Industry, 58.
4. FAO (2013). Climate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
5. Government of India (2019). National Action Programme to Combat Desertification. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
6. IPCC (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
7. Jha, A. K., Singh, K., Sharma, C., Singh, S. K., & Gupta, P. K. (2011). Assessment of methane & nitrous oxide emissions from livestock in India. Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change, 2(1).
8. Krishnan, G., Bagath, M., Pragna, P., Vidya, M. K., Aleena, J., Archana, P. R., & Bhatta, R. (2017). Mitigation of the heat stress impact in livestock reproduction. Theriogenology, 8, 8–9.
9. Maitra, S., & Shankar, T. (2019). Agronomic management in little millet (Panicum sumatrense L.) for enhancement of productivity and sustainability. International Journal of Biosciences, 6(2), 91–96.
10. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (2018). National Livestock Mission. Government of India, New Delhi.
11. Ministry of Earth Sciences (2021). Report on Climate of India. Government of India.
12. National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2016). Climate Change and its Impact on Livestock Productivity in India. NAAS Policy Paper No. 76.
13. Patra, A. K. (2017). Accounting methane & nitrous oxide emissions, & carbon footprints of livestock food products in different states of India. Journal of Cleaner Production, 162, 678–686.
14. Sharma, D.K., et al. (2019). Climate Smart Livestock Production: A Way Forward for Sustainable Intensification. Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 89(5), 503-514.
15. Singh, B., Singh, A., Jadoun, Y.S., Bhadauria, P., Kour, G. (2024). Strategies for Sustainable Climate Smart Livestock Farming. In: Sheraz Mahdi, S., Singh, R., Dhekale, B. (eds) Adapting to Climate Change in Agriculture-Theories and Practices. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-28142-6_16
16. Singhal, K. K., Mohini, M., Jha, A. K., & Gupta, P. K. (2005). Methane emission estimates from enteric fermentation in Indian livestock: Dry matter intake approach. Current Science, 88(1), 119–127.
17. Sumit Mahajan, Janailin S. Papang, Shivraj Singh and K.K. Datta. (2015) Adaptation and mitigation strategies for dairy cattle: Myths and realities in Indian condition – A review. Review, 36 (4): 287-295
18. Thornton, P.K.; Herrero, M.; Freeman, A.; Okeyo Mwai; Ed Rege; Jones, P. and McDermott, J. (2007). Vulnerability, Climate change and Livestock – Research Opportunities and Challenges for Poverty Alleviation. (http://www.icrisat.org/journal/SpecialProject/sp7.pdf.)
19. UNEP (2021). Emissions Gap Report 2021. United Nations Environment Programme.
20. Upadhaya, R. C., Ashutosh, A. K., Gupta, S. K., Gupta, S. V., Singh, S. V., & Rani, N. (2009). Inventory of methane emission from livestock in India. In P. K. Aggarwal (Ed.), Global climate change & Indian agriculture. Case studies from the ICAR Network project. ICAR (pp. 117–122).

Please follow and like us: