The effects of Climate Change on Livestock are evident in both developed and developing countries, but the pressure is greatest on developing countries because of their lack of preparedness, investment, knowledge, veterinary and extension services and research technology development.

 Some of the impact of climate change is described as below:

Effect on feed availability

As climate changes and becomes more variable, niches for different species alter. This may     modify animal diets and compromise the ability of small livestock keepers to manage feed.  Rising temperature increases lignifications of plant tissues and thus reduces the digestibility and the rates of degradation of plant species. The resultant reduction in livestock production may have an effect on the food security and incomes of small livestock keepers (Thornton et al., 2008).

Effect on water availability:

 Climate change has a substantial effect on global water availability. Increase in river discharge, flash flooding and riverbank erosion, disaster shifting of eco tone, change in water navigation, lower water table, long dry spells  ultimately resulted in lowers vegetation index thereby reducing the feed and fodder availability (Pokhrel, 2007).

Effect on livestock due to Heat stress:

The high temperature will alter the heat exchange between animal and environment. Heat stress impairs the feed intake, growth, reproduction, maintenance and production of livestock. Increasing temperature at high altitude are generally going to have more impact on livestock than at lower altitudes, where local livestock breeds are often already quite adapted to heat stress and draught.

Effect on Livestock diseases and diseases vectors:

Warmer and wetter weather (particularly warmer winters) will increase the risk and occurrence of animal diseases, as certain species who serve as disease vectors, such as biting flies and ticks, are more likely to survive year-round. Certain existing parasitic diseases may also become more prevalent, or their geographical range may spread, if rainfall increases (Epstein et al., 2005).

 Loss of Bio-diversity:

Local and rare breeds could be lost as a result of the impact of climate change and diseases epidemics. Bio diversity loss has global health implications and many if the anticipated health risks driven by climate change will be attributable to a loss of genetic diversity (CGRFA, 2007). Much of the genetic erosion is attributable to global livestock production practices.

Coping with the Climate Change: Adaptation and Mitigation livestock strategies

Livestock adaptation strategies:

Livestock producers have traditionally adapted to various environmental and climatic changes by building on their in –depth knowledge of the environment in which they live. However the expanding human population, urbanization, environmental degradation and increased consumption of animal sources foods have rendered some of these coping mechanisms ineffective (Sidahmed, 2008).

Breeding strategies:

Many local breeds are already adapted to harsh living conditions. Thus, adaptation measures include identifying and strengthening local breeds that have adapted to local climatic stress and improving local genetics through cross breeding with heat and disease-tolerant breeds.

Capacity building for livestock keepers:

There is need to improve the capacity of livestock keepers to understand and deal with climate change. In addition, training in agro-ecological technology and practices for the production and conservation of fodder improves the supply of animal feed and reduces mortality and malnutrition in herds.

Livestock management Systems:

Efficient and affordable adaptation practices need to be developed for the rural poor who are unable to afford expensive adaptation technologies. These include provision of shade and water to reduce heat stress , reduction of livestock numbers – a lower number of more productive animals lead to more efficient production and lower GHG emissions from Livestock production( Batima,2007).

Mitigation of Livestock Green House Gas (GHG) emission:

Unmitigated climate change, in the longrun, exceeds the capacity of natural and human system to adapt. Therefore, it is important to identify mitigation measures that are easy to implement and cost effective in order to strengthen the capacity of local actors to adapt to climate change. The livestock production system contributes to global climate change directly through the production of GHG emission and indirectly through the destruction of bio- diversity, the degradation of land and water, air pollution. All livestock practices such as genetics, nutrition, reproduction, health and dietary supplements and proper feeding management are to be considered up on in reduction of GHG emission.

CONCLUSION
Climate change is having devastating effects on our livestock and livestock system with the poor people most vulnerable to it. Thus, the challenge to cope with climate change is to develop an effective adaptation and mitigation strategies based on locally relevant knowledge and practices. Also, increasing the capacity of Veterinarians, Extension officers and concerned stakeholders help increase the resilience of livestock to climate change impact.