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Journal of Central European Agriculture, Vol. 25 No. 4, 2024.

Review article

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/25.4.4335

Climate change impacts on sheep and goat production and reproduction

Anass BEN MOULA ; Plant, Microbial, Marine, and Precision Agriculture Biotechnology research team; Laboratory of Natural and Economic Resources for Sustainable Development, Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache (FPL), Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco *
Amr KCHIKICH ; Laboratory of Biotechnological Valorization of Microorganisms, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University Abdelmalek Essaadi, Tangier, Morocco
Mouad CHENTOUF ; Animal Production Unit, Regional Centre for Agricultural Research of Tangier, National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Avenue Ennasr, P.O. Box 415 Rabat Principal, 10090 Rabat, Morocco
Ahlem HAMDACHE ; Plant, Microbial, Marine, and Precision Agriculture Biotechnology research team; Laboratory of Natural and Economic Resources for Sustainable Development, Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache (FPL), Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco
Khalid BOURAADA ; Plant, Microbial, Marine, and Precision Agriculture Biotechnology research team; Laboratory of Natural and Economic Resources for Sustainable Development, Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache (FPL), Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco
Mariam ESSAFI ; Regional Public Health Laboratory (L.R.S.P.), Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Regional Directorate of Health and Social Protection Fez-Meknes, Morocco
Mohammed EZZIYYANI ; Plant, Microbial, Marine, and Precision Agriculture Biotechnology research team; Laboratory of Natural and Economic Resources for Sustainable Development, Department of Life Sciences, Polydisciplinary Faculty of Larache (FPL), Abdelmalek Essaadi University, 745 BP, 92004 Larache, Morocco

* Corresponding author.

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Abstract

In regions facing extreme heat, livestock encounter formidable challenges in dissipating environmental heat, leading to recurrent and severe heat stress episodes throughout the year. This review delves into the physiological impacts of climate change on sheep and goat production, with a focus on economic viability, milk and meat yields, reproductive performance, and thermoregulation. In arid and semi-arid regions, sheep and goats are particularly vulnerable to elevated temperatures, experiencing reductions in body weight, average daily gain, growth rates, and reproductive impairments. Besides, the combination of heat and humidity further undermines animals' immune systems, rendering them more susceptible to diseases and stress. However, goats demonstrate resilience and adaptive advantages over sheep in mitigating heat stress effects, rooted in their unique physiological, morphological, and behavioral adaptations. Leveraging these adaptive traits offers opportunities for sustainable livestock farming within intensifying climatic challenges, emphasizing the necessity of proactive management strategies to safeguard livestock welfare and promote economic viability.

Keywords

climate change; small ruminants’ production; reproduction; heat stress; sheep; goats

Hrčak ID:

324742

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/324742

Publication date:

23.12.2024.

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