The Effect of Stress on Productivity of Animals:A Review

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the stressors of farm animals and their implications to animal productivity. Domestic animals are routinely faced with different stressors. Most stressful conditions, including cold, heat, handling, transporting, temperament, introduction to a new flock, diseases and parasites. Stress reduces the fitness and productivity of the of the animal. Little is known about the signs of stressed animal, in turn, almost all farmers lose their animals through death. Moreover, in the future population growth, urbanization and income growth in developing countries are fuelling massive global increase in demand for food of animal origin. However, the effects of stress has a great impact on the productivity of farm animals. It is imperative that the issue receive more research attention in minimizing farm animal stress and optimizing in product yield and quality.

Keywords: stress, fitness, productivity, farm animals, signs