The future of global cattle farming is under threat, with over 1 billion cows at risk from extreme heat stress. A study in the Environmental Research Letters journal highlights the perils of unchecked climate change, particularly in regions like Central America, parts of Asia, and Equatorial Africa.
Heat stress adversely affects cattle in various ways. It diminishes fertility, stunts calf growth, and leads to milk production drops. Such impacts could cripple the livestock farming industry, negatively affecting animal health and slashing farm revenues.
Using data from prominent universities, the study offers a grim forecast. If carbon emissions continue to soar, nearly 90% of the world's cows will face a month or more of heat stress yearly by 2100. Alarmingly, one-third might grapple with this stress all year.
Farmers might need costly adaptations like installing ventilation systems or transitioning to heat-tolerant cattle breeds. But in many significant farming zones, like Brazil, India, and various African regions, these solutions might be unattainable, making cattle farming unsustainable.
Yet not all hope is lost. Swiftly reducing carbon emissions and halting rampant cattle farming growth can substantially decrease the negative impacts. Moreover, by favoring plant-based diets over beef, consumers can play a pivotal role in curbing heat stress risks, while also contributing to forest conservation and land rejuvenation.
The study emphasizes the importance of making sustainable decisions now. Deforestation for cattle ranching, especially in places like the Amazon, will not only increase the risk of heat stress for cattle, but it will also worsen climate change around the world.
Source : wisconsinagconnection