In the heart of Southern Africa, where the sun beats down mercilessly and rain is a fleeting visitor, livestock farmers are facing an existential threat. Climate change is turning the once-predictable semi-arid landscapes into a rollercoaster of extreme weather events, disrupting the delicate balance of agricultural systems that communities rely on for food security and livelihoods. But hope is on the horizon, thanks to a groundbreaking review published in ‘Frontiers in Veterinary Science’, led by Felix Fushai from the University of Venda’s Department of Animal Science.
Fushai and his team delved into the intricate world of livestock nutrition, seeking answers to a pressing question: how can we adapt livestock feeding strategies to build resilience against climate change? The answer, it seems, lies in a multi-faceted approach that combines precision feeding, thermal resilience, and the integration of climate-smart feed resources.
At the core of this approach is the concept of climate-smart bioenergetics, which focuses on optimizing the energy dynamics within livestock to enhance their ability to withstand heat stress. “We need to rethink how we feed our livestock,” Fushai asserts. “It’s not just about providing enough calories; it’s about providing the right kind of nutrients that can help animals cope with the increasing temperatures and droughts.”
The review identifies several promising climate-smart feed resources that could revolutionize livestock nutrition in the region. Small cereal grains like sorghum and pearl millet are highlighted as potential dietary energy sources, while native legumes such as cowpea and marama bean could serve as valuable protein sources. But the innovations don’t stop at traditional crops. Wild browse trees, oilseed cakes from macadamia, castor, and Jatropha beans, insect feed protein, and even microbial protein from algae and yeasts are all on the table.
In addition, the review explores the use of additives that can enhance the thermoregulatory function of diets. Synthetic and natural antioxidants, phytogenics, biotic agents, and electrolytes are all part of the toolkit that could help livestock stay cool and productive in a warming world.
The implications of this research for the energy sector are profound. As climate change continues to disrupt traditional feedstuffs, the integration of alternative feed resources could open up new markets and supply chains. For instance, the use of oilseed cakes and insect feed protein could create opportunities for bioenergy production, while the cultivation of drought-resistant crops could reduce the demand for irrigation water, conserving precious energy resources.
Moreover, the adoption of climate-smart feeding strategies could enhance the resilience of the livestock-energy-water-food nexus, ensuring a more stable and sustainable food supply in the face of climate change. This could, in turn, reduce the pressure on energy resources, as farmers become more efficient and less reliant on external inputs.
As we look to the future, the research by Fushai and his team provides a roadmap for developing climate-smart feeding strategies that could transform the way we think about livestock nutrition. By embracing these innovations, we can build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system, one that is better equipped to withstand the challenges of a changing climate. The review serves as a clarion call for broader, in-depth research, the promotion of climate-smart farm practices, and the development of governmental policies tailored to the unique agroecology of Southern Africa.