Impact of climate change on milk production

Abstract

Abstract Background: Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and extreme weather events, poses a significant threat to global food security, particularly in the dairy sector. Milk production is sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation, which can impact dairy cow health, productivity, and milk quality. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the effects of climate change on milk production. Methods: This review synthesizes information from various sources, including scientific studies, reports, and other relevant publications, to analyze the effects of climate change on different aspects of milk production, such as milk yield, quality, and safety. Main discussions: The impact of climate change on milk production is multifaceted. Heat stress negatively affects feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition. Changes in climate conditions can also influence the microbial ecology of raw milk, potentially leading to food safety concerns. Additionally, the dairy supply chain is vulnerable to disruptions caused by extreme weather events and changes in microbial populations. These changes have significant economic ramifications for the dairy industry. Conclusion: Climate change poses a substantial threat to the dairy industry, affecting milk production, quality, and economic stability. Adaptation strategies, such as breeding heat-resistant cows, improving infrastructure, and implementing stricter food safety measures, are essential to ensuring the industry’s sustainability.