Journal of Veterinary Science & Medical DiagnosisISSN: 2325-9590

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Review Article, J Vet Sci Med Diagn Vol: 4 Issue: 3

Ameliorative Strategies to Sustain Livestock Production during Heat Stress

Shaji S1,2, Abdul Niyas PA1,2, Chaidanya K1,2, Sejian V1*, Bhatta R1, Bagath M1, Rao GSLHVP3, Kurien EK2 and Girish V3
1ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bangalore-560030, Karnataka, India
2Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, India
3Centre for Animal Adaptation to Environment and Climate Change Studies, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Corresponding author : Dr. V. Sejian
Senior Scientist, Animal Physiology Division, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Adugodi, Bangalore-560030, India
Tel: +91-9740726121; Fax: +91-080-25711420
E-mail: drsejian@gmail.com
Received: January 27, 2015 Accepted: March 02, 2015 Published: March 06, 2015
Citation: Shaji S, Niyas PAA, Chaidanya K, Sejian V, Bhatta R, et al. (2015) Ameliorative Strategies to Sustain Livestock Production during Heat Stress. J Vet Sci Med Diagn 4:3. doi:10.4172/2325-9590.1000161

Abstract

Ameliorative Strategies to Sustain Livestock Production during Heat Stress

In the changing climate scenario, heat stress is of major concern among livestock owners as it affects drastically livestock production which otherwise contributes 40% of world agriculture GDP (gross domestic product). Hence there is an urgent need for reviewing the various strategies to counter the heat stress impact on livestock production. THI (temperature humidity index) may not be the ideal index to quantify heat stress impact on livestock as it does not take into account solar radiation and wind velocity. Hence, more appropriate agro-ecological zone specific indices like Dairy Heat Load Index (DHLI) which takes into account all cardinal weather parameters is the need of hour. Development of appropriate heat abatement strategies depends on the type of dairy operation practiced in a particular livestock farm. During heat stress, management strategies such as providing shade, sprinklers, fans, cold water, minimum handling, grazing during early morning and late evening hours might be very beneficial to improve livestock production..

Keywords: Climate change; Cold diet; Livestock; Nutrition; Shelter design; THI

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