A deterministic evaluation of heat stress mitigation and feed cost under climate change within the smallholder dairy sector

York, L; Heffernan, C; Rymer, C; Panda, N

Abstract

In the global South, dairying is often promoted as a means of poverty alleviation. Yet, under conditions of climate warming, little is known regarding the ability of small-scale dairy producers to maintain production and/or the robustness of possible adaptation options in meeting the challenges presented, particularly heat stress. The authors created a simple, deterministic model to explore the influence of breed and heat stress relief options on smallholder dairy farmers in Odisha, India. Breeds included indigenous Indian (non-descript), low-grade Jersey crossbreed and high-grade Jersey crossbreed. Relief strategies included providing shade, fanning and bathing. The impact of predicted critical global climate parameters, a 2°C and 4°C temperature rise were explored. A feed price scenario was modelled to illustrate the importance of feed in impact estimation. Feed costs were increased by 10% to 30%. Across the simulations, high-grade Jersey crossbreeds maintained higher milk yields, despite being the most sensitive to the negative effects of temperature. Low-capital relief strategies were the most effective at reducing heat stress impacts on household income. However, as feed costs increased the lower-grade Jersey crossbreed became the most profitable breed. The high-grade Jersey crossbreed was only marginally (4.64%) more profitable than the indigenous breed. The results demonstrate the importance of understanding the factors and practical trade-offs that underpin adaptation. The model also highlights the need for hot-climate dairying projects and programmes to consider animal genetic resources alongside environmentally sustainable adaptation measures for greatest poverty impact.

Citation

York, L., Heffernan, C., Rymer, C., & Panda, N. (2017). A deterministic evaluation of heat stress mitigation and feed cost under climate change within the smallholder dairy sector. animal, 11(5), https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731116002706

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 20, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Jun 19, 2018
• Journal: Animal
• Print ISSN: 1751-7311
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731116002706
• Public URL: https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1394248