Dairy Production Significantly Impacted by Rising Temperatures, Say US Researchers
Source: dairynews.today
Rising temperatures are increasingly challenging the US dairy industry's ability to maintain milk production, with significant financial losses anticipated.
The dairy industry is grappling with the growing impact of extreme weather conditions due to rising temperatures and humidity, significantly affecting milk production.
And study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that heat stress results in a decline in milk yield across the US, leading to substantial financial losses.
Large farms can access advanced cooling technologies, but smaller farms struggle to mitigate these effects, making them more vulnerable.
The study analyzed data from nine Midwest states, covering over 56 million cow-level production records from 18,000 dairy farms between 2012 and 2016. The findings showed a cumulative loss of approximately 1.4 billion pounds of milk over five years, equating to an estimated $245 million in lost revenue.
"Cows are mammals like us, and they experience heat stress just like we do," said study co-author Marin Skidmore.
Smaller farms, especially those with fewer than 100 cows, suffered more significant losses compared to larger operations, contributing less than 20% of total milk output but accounting for 27% of total heat-related damages.
Larger farms often employ better mitigation strategies, such as enhanced ventilation and cooling systems, to reduce the impact of heat stress. Projections indicate that by 2050, extreme heat days could lead to an estimated 30% increase in milk yield losses if climate trends continue.
The study underscores the need for policy support and adaptation strategies to sustain dairy production in the face of climate change.
And study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign reveals that heat stress results in a decline in milk yield across the US, leading to substantial financial losses.
Large farms can access advanced cooling technologies, but smaller farms struggle to mitigate these effects, making them more vulnerable.
The study analyzed data from nine Midwest states, covering over 56 million cow-level production records from 18,000 dairy farms between 2012 and 2016. The findings showed a cumulative loss of approximately 1.4 billion pounds of milk over five years, equating to an estimated $245 million in lost revenue.
"Cows are mammals like us, and they experience heat stress just like we do," said study co-author Marin Skidmore.
Smaller farms, especially those with fewer than 100 cows, suffered more significant losses compared to larger operations, contributing less than 20% of total milk output but accounting for 27% of total heat-related damages.
Larger farms often employ better mitigation strategies, such as enhanced ventilation and cooling systems, to reduce the impact of heat stress. Projections indicate that by 2050, extreme heat days could lead to an estimated 30% increase in milk yield losses if climate trends continue.
The study underscores the need for policy support and adaptation strategies to sustain dairy production in the face of climate change.
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