SIGNIFICANCE OF METEOROLOGY IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

The production of meat, milk and eggs is highest and occurs at a maximal efficiency if the meteorological elements are within a certain range (zone of indifference). Outside this range the animal has to combat meteorological stress. This requires extra energy, so that less energy is available for productive processes. It is therefore important to find out at which levels the various meteorological elements become stressful to the animal organism. This study took into consideration the diversity of domestic animals [including cattle, sheep, pigs, rabbits and chickens], both with regard to structural features and functional traits. Responses of various categories of domestic animals to the following potentially stress producing meterorological conditions are briefly reviewed: cold, heat, solar radiation, high altitude and indoor environment. Knowledge so derived can be applied either by adapting the animal to the environment by breeding and selection or by adapting the evnironment to the animal by technical and managerial means. Some suggestions are made for future considerations in the field of biometeorology of domestic animals.