Climate change impacts on livestock in Brazil

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Climate Science
• Animal Science

Background:

• Brazil is a major global supplier of animal-derived proteins.
• Climate change poses a significant threat to livestock production through heat stress.
• Developing effective mitigation strategies is crucial for Brazil's agricultural sector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of climate change on various livestock species across Brazil.
• To identify regional differences in heat stress impacts.
• To propose response strategies for animal welfare and production.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of climate change impacts on cattle (dairy and beef), goats, sheep, pigs, and poultry.
• Analysis of heat stress indicators like the temperature-humidity index.
• Regional assessment across Brazil's five geographic areas.

Main Results:

• Increased high heat stress observed in Southern and Southeastern Brazil.
• Increased extreme heat stress noted in Northern and Central-Western Brazil, primarily during spring and summer.
• Poultry, pigs, and beef cattle are identified as the most vulnerable species.

Conclusions:

• Climate change necessitates region-specific mitigation measures for Brazilian livestock.
• Adapting to heat stress is vital for maintaining sustainable animal protein production.
• Sustainable intensification is key to Brazil's long-term global market position.