Effect of Climate and Management Systems on Production of Cattle

Abstract

Environment in the tropics varies from arid deserts to island paradises to steamy jungles. Climate directly affects cattle through heat, radiation and humidity in the ability to maintain a normal range of body temperature; indirectly, climate affects plant growth and nutrients available to livestock, and exposure to diseases and parasites. Cattle have a poorly-developed sweating mechanism. High temperatures, solar radiation, and high humidity deters maintenance of internal heat thus interfering with efficient cattle production.

Animal husbandry systems vary markedly, depending upon the type of animals involved and the nature of the major product to be produced. Tropical dairy management is the most difficult, partly because the tropical breeds do not have the capability of high levels of milk production. In less humid regions, it is possible to utilize pure breeds when they are provided adequate nutrition and are protected from environmental stress factors. Good management includes the year-round provision of high-quality forage supplemented by concentrate feeding to meet nutritional requirements. Implementation of the highest levels of sanitation and disease prevention methods are mandatory if animals are to maintain reasonable production. While disease may contribute to low productivity and high calf mortality rates, the principal cause of these losses is poor nutrition. The most costly nutritional improvements usually result in increased calving rates, lower mortality and more rapid growth rates. Management practices should also prevent or limit exposure to insect vectors and other direct and indirect means of infection. Improved marketing should assure reasonable prices for animals and animal products and result in better disease and parasite control practices.