Current Status of Climate Change Impact on Production and Reproductive Performance of Beef Cattle in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract

This review was initiated to assess the current status of climate change impact on production and reproductive performance of beef Cattle under Ethiopian condition. Climate is one of the determining factors for production and reproduction in farm animals throughout the world. Its effect is higher in cattle than in other ruminants. Beef can be affected by heat stress, particularly in feedlot situations or when grazing fescue-infected pastures. Climate change affects both male and female reproductive performance of beef cattle by altering their physiological process. In contrast of this, beef cattle are the most contributors for climate change causes than other farm animal. Therefore, to enhance production and reproductive performance of beef cattle, specialized beef production strategies should be strengthen, integrating beef cattle production system with natural conservation strategies and climate change should be part of educational curriculum(from elementary to higher education).

Keywords: Beef Cattle, Climate Change, Reproduction, Production