Livestock
In general, livestock such as poultry and swine are managed in housed, temperature controlled systems. Adjusting these systems to adapt to outside temperature changes may mitigate some of the negative impacts of climate change. However, despite current technologies to manage livestock temperatures, high summer temperatures sill cost swine producers over $300 million every year. As livestock producers adapt to climate change, management and energy costs associated with increased temperature regulation will likely increase. In the future, producers may consider selecting breeds and breed types that are genetically adapted to changed climate conditions.
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Grazing lands in a changing climate
Laying out temporary fencing to facilitate a rotational grazing plan. This plan allows vegetation in previously grazed…
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Focus on Livestock in the Caribbean
Heat stress increases animal body temperatures, sweating, and panting, and thus reduces animal feed intake and…
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Focus on Livestock in California
California has a large and diverse livestock industry: it is the number one dairy state in the nation and is also a…
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Agricultural Vulnerabilities in the Northeast
The climate in the Northeast U.S. has been changing. Winters have been getting warmer and heavy rainstorms are becoming…
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Focus on Livestock in the Southeast
Livestock operations in the Southeast can be sensitive to climate change and variability.
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Focus on Livestock in the Southwest
Unlike poultry and swine, which are often housed in structures, cattle, goats and sheep are typically subject to…
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Agriculture in the Midwest
The Midwest represents one of the most intense areas of agricultural production in the world and consistently affects…