How do environmental factors influence livestock health?

Environmental factors play a significant role in influencing livestock health primarily by leading to stress and disease. Livestock are highly susceptible to variations in their surroundings, which can include temperature, humidity, housing conditions, and the presence of pathogens.

For instance, extreme temperatures can cause thermal stress, leading to a decline in feed intake and overall health. Additionally, poor housing conditions can elevate the risk of infections and parasites. These stressors can weaken the immune system of the animals, making them more vulnerable to diseases and reducing their overall productivity.

Conversely, while improvements in feed quality and enhancing reproductive success could relate to environmental management, they do not directly depict how environmental factors create stress or pose health risks to livestock. Determining market prices is an economic factor rather than an immediate environmental influence on health, clarifying the distinct focus of the correct choice.