What effect does climate change have on animal agriculture?

Climate change significantly impacts animal agriculture by disrupting grazing patterns and feed availability. As climate patterns shift, factors such as temperature changes, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can lead to reduced pasture quality and availability.

For instance, prolonged droughts may decrease the amount of grass and forage that livestock depend on for sustenance, while heavy rains can lead to soil erosion or waterlogged fields that are unsuitable for grazing. This disruption may necessitate changes in livestock management practices, including the need to find alternative feed sources or adjust grazing schedules to cope with the changing environmental conditions.

The alterations in feed availability can also affect animal health and productivity, potentially leading to increased feed costs and a strain on animal welfare. Therefore, understanding how climate change affects these fundamental aspects of animal agriculture is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate its impacts.