Climate Smart Interventions in Dairy Cattle - A Review of Feeding, Disease Management, and Breeding Strategies

Abstract

Climate change poses significant challenges to dairy production systems, with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and increased incidences of diseases affecting the productivity, reproduction, and health of dairy animals. Effective interventions in feeding, breeding, and disease management are critical to mitigating these adverse effects and ensuring sustainable dairy production. Feeding strategies, such as the use of climate-resilient fodder crops, total mixed rations (TMR), and dietary supplementation with energy-dense feeds, improve nutrient utilization and reduce heat stress. Breeding programs that focus on selecting and crossbreeding heat-tolerant and disease-resistant breeds enhance animal adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. Additionally, reproductive technologies like artificial insemination (AI) and genomic selection play a crucial role in accelerating the development of resilient herds. Disease management interventions, including improved housing, vaccination programs, and early disease detection systems, are essential to prevent the spread of vector-borne and heat-induced diseases. Together, these approaches form a climate-smart framework for dairy farming, enhancing productivity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the livelihoods of farmers in the face of climate change. Further research and the integration of these strategies into livestock management policies are essential for building climate-resilient dairy systems globally.