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M. A. S. Abdel Monem and B. Radojevic
Climate change effects livestock production through its impact on (i) the drinking
water resources (ii) quality and quantity of feed (iii) biodiversity and the genetic
breeding and (iv) the health of animals [27]. Climate change impact on the different
components of the livestock environment in dry areas was summarized by Hassanein
and Medany [22] as:
• High ambient temperatures compromise the reproductive efficiency of farm
animals (both sexes) and hence affect milk and meat production.
• Humidity also affects animal farm productivity. The combination of temperature
and humidity is referred to as the “Temperature Humidity Index (THI)”, and it
measures the discomfort experienced by animals. At THI above 72, production
of cow’s milk starts to decline for a cow with no access to shade, while at over
78, milk production starts to decline for cows that have access to both shade and
sprinkler system.
• Heat stress hits lactating cows at the rectal temperature of above 39.4 °C. To cope
with the stress, the cow allocates more energy to maintain the body temperature
at the expense of the amount of energy needed for milk production.
• High temperatures impact the productivity of livestock as well as their growth
performance. They impact the uterine environment, reduce the total number of
embryo cells resulting in smaller lamb sizes, which are susceptible to dehydration
during their early stage of life.
SADS [2] estimated that livestock in Egypt contribute significantly to the agricultural gross domestic production with a value of about USD 6.1 billion in 2007.
The agricultural development strategy 2030 aims to increase dairy production to
9.5 million tons, red meat to 1 million tons, poultry to 1.4 million tons, and fish to
1.4 million tons per year. This requires—among other activities—the protection of
such resources from farm and common diseases [3].
Small scale farmers are the main of livestock in Egypt, while the government
sector contribute with less than 2% for the number of animals. Animal production
activity is very well integrated within the cropping system, since Egypt has limited
natural pastures and depends mainly on planting forages, mainly clover (Barseem)
for animal feed in addition to straw and hay. Animal production is highly dependent
on cattle and buffaloes as milk-producing animals, as well as male animals and
un-reproductive females, are fattened for meat.
Eid [28] explained that livestock/crop production in Egypt is an excellent example
of an integrated production system where fodder crops and agricultural residues
provide the feed for animals. Majority of small farmers (about 90% of farmers)
practice this system. Animal manure with its addition of organic matter that will
increase the soil fertility. It is estimated that more than 50 million m
3 of animal
manure are produced annually.
However, the livestock production system in Egypt will face even more challenges
with the predicted future climate change causing high mortality of young animals and
low daily gain well below the genetic potential particularly the high frequency and
severity of drought. Resource degradation, in general, contributes to the decrease of
livestock production, including the decline of aquifers and consequentially available
M. A. S. Abdel Monem and B. Radojevic
Climate change effects livestock production through its impact on (i) the drinking
water resources (ii) quality and quantity of feed (iii) biodiversity and the genetic
breeding and (iv) the health of animals [27]. Climate change impact on the different
components of the livestock environment in dry areas was summarized by Hassanein
and Medany [22] as:
• High ambient temperatures compromise the reproductive efficiency of farm
animals (both sexes) and hence affect milk and meat production.
• Humidity also affects animal farm productivity. The combination of temperature
and humidity is referred to as the “Temperature Humidity Index (THI)”, and it
measures the discomfort experienced by animals. At THI above 72, production
of cow’s milk starts to decline for a cow with no access to shade, while at over
78, milk production starts to decline for cows that have access to both shade and
sprinkler system.
• Heat stress hits lactating cows at the rectal temperature of above 39.4 °C. To cope
with the stress, the cow allocates more energy to maintain the body temperature
at the expense of the amount of energy needed for milk production.
• High temperatures impact the productivity of livestock as well as their growth
performance. They impact the uterine environment, reduce the total number of
embryo cells resulting in smaller lamb sizes, which are susceptible to dehydration
during their early stage of life.
SADS [2] estimated that livestock in Egypt contribute significantly to the agricultural gross domestic production with a value of about USD 6.1 billion in 2007.
The agricultural development strategy 2030 aims to increase dairy production to
9.5 million tons, red meat to 1 million tons, poultry to 1.4 million tons, and fish to
1.4 million tons per year. This requires—among other activities—the protection of
such resources from farm and common diseases [3].
Small scale farmers are the main of livestock in Egypt, while the government
sector contribute with less than 2% for the number of animals. Animal production
activity is very well integrated within the cropping system, since Egypt has limited
natural pastures and depends mainly on planting forages, mainly clover (Barseem)
for animal feed in addition to straw and hay. Animal production is highly dependent
on cattle and buffaloes as milk-producing animals, as well as male animals and
un-reproductive females, are fattened for meat.
Eid [28] explained that livestock/crop production in Egypt is an excellent example
of an integrated production system where fodder crops and agricultural residues
provide the feed for animals. Majority of small farmers (about 90% of farmers)
practice this system. Animal manure with its addition of organic matter that will
increase the soil fertility. It is estimated that more than 50 million m
3 of animal
manure are produced annually.
However, the livestock production system in Egypt will face even more challenges
with the predicted future climate change causing high mortality of young animals and
low daily gain well below the genetic potential particularly the high frequency and
severity of drought. Resource degradation, in general, contributes to the decrease of
livestock production, including the decline of aquifers and consequentially available