Indigenous breeds: A sustainable solution to climate change

Climate change poses a serious threat to livestock production in South Africa, with heat stress emerging as one of the most pressing challenges.

- Andries Gouws

As temperatures rise and extreme weather events become more frequent, the resilience of livestock systems will be tested like never before.

According to Prof Michiel Scholtz, a specialist researcher at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC)-Animal Production in Irene, South Africa is expected to be among the countries most severely affected by climate change. The region is likely to experience more frequent and intense droughts, severe flooding, prolonged heatwaves, and higher temperatures.

In this context, indigenous livestock breeds, which are already well adapted to harsh environmental conditions, may hold the key to building a more climate-resilient agricultural sector.

Temperature and breeding seasons

Average temperatures are projected to rise by 1,5 to 2°C, with regional variations ranging from 0,5°C along the coast to as much as 3°C in eastern Namibia and western Botswana. In the case of ruminants, these temperature increases can negatively affect productivity (slower growth rates, reduced milk yields, impaired reproductive performance, and increased vulnerability to infectious diseases).

The implications for traditional breeding seasons are complex and difficult to predict. According to meteorological statistics, the coldest months have been June and July, but recent data suggests a shift towards July and August. If similar changes occur in peak rainfall periods, breeding seasons may need to be adjusted accordingly.

To maximise the use of natural grazing - the most cost-effective feed source - breeding seasons should align with periods when animals’ nutritional needs are at their peak. Given that grass production varies significantly across South Africa, and that climate change may further alter both the quantity and quality of grazing, breeding periods must be tailored to specific environments.