Climate change impacts on livestock health in Morbi District

Abstract

Climate change poses increasing challenges to livestock health, productivity and dairy – based livelihoods, particularly in regions with high temperature, less rainfall and water – related stress. The present study assesses field – level observation of climate change impacts on livestock health in Morbi region of Gujarat, using a descriptive cross – sectional questionnaire survey of livestock – owing respondents. The study also reviews temperature and rainfall data to provide climatic background for interpreting the survey findings. The results indicate that livestock owners are observing climate related challenges through water scarcity, changes in milk production, increased animal stress, disease prevalence, feeding adjustments and reproductive concerns. The findings suggest that the livestock health in the study area is affected through multiple connected pathways involving heat – stress, water – stress, feed availability and animal management conditions. While this study relies on descriptive field data and does not infer direct causality, it provides evidence on climate induced livestock health risks. The findings highlight the urgent need for interventions in water governance, veterinary support, fodder security and climate – resilient animal husbandry practices