Ethological implications for management and welfare of dairy animals under climatic stress in tropics

Abstract

High yielding dairy animals particularly cattle and buffalo suffer a lot during adverse climatic conditions in tropical countries. India, being the world leader in milk production, possesses highest buffaloes and 2nd highest cattle population in the world. The production potential of these milch livestock not only depends upon their genetic merits but also on the ways they are reared or managed. Behaviour of dairy animal is one of the crucial and direct indicators for assessing the welfare status at farm. It is the behaviour by which a stockman can understand how livestock feels and reacts to certain change in environment and body conditions. In tropical countries like India, there are two kinds of climatic stress prevails viz. heat and cold stress which may severely affect the performance and welfare of livestock. Keeping in view of the significant impact of climatic stress, the present article highlights the ethological implications for management and welfare of dairy animals at farm conditions.