Document type: scientific review published in Journal of Applied Animal Research
Authors: Oke OE, Eletu TA, Akosile OA, Fasasi LO, Adeniji OE, Ojedokun MZ, Oni AI
Abstract in French (translation): Behavioral adaptations of livestock to environmental stressors: implications for welfare and productivity
Livestock are frequently exposed to environmental stressors that adversely affect their welfare and productivity. This study examines the behavioral adaptations of cattle to these stressors and their implications for animal welfare and performance. Environmental stressors are classified into three categories: abiotic (e.g. temperature, light), biotic (e.g. parasitism, social competition) and management-related (e.g. housing, stocking density, transport). They are then grouped into thermal, nutritional, social and managerial categories, each with physiological and behavioral consequences. For example, thermal stress alters thermoregulation and reduces food consumption; nutritional stress results from food shortage or imbalance; social stress triggers aggressive behavior; and management stress results from confinement or manipulation. These stressors compromise immune function, disrupt endocrine balance and provoke maladaptive behavior. Behavioral indicators, such as panting, shivering, aggression and vocalization, reflect how animals cope with stress. The study explains how behavioral adaptations influence productivity indicators, and highlights assessment tools ranging from visual observation to sensor technologies and artificial intelligence. It also presents strategies for improving well-being, including environmental enrichment, behavior management andprecision farming. Understanding these adaptive responses can inform context-specific welfare strategies. It also highlights the need for integrative frameworks that link behavioral knowledge to practical interventions, particularly in understudied systems vulnerable to climate variability and resource constraints.
Preview: Livestock are frequently exposed to environmental stressors that adversely affect their welfare and productivity. This review examines the behavioural adaptations of livestock to these stressors and their implications for animal welfare and performance. Environmental stressors are classified into three categories: abiotic (e.g. temperature, light), biotic (e.g. parasitism, social competition), and management-related (e.g. housing, stocking density, transportation). These are further grouped into thermal, nutritional, social, and managerial categories, each with physiological and behavioural consequences. For instance, thermal stress impairs thermoregulation and reduces feed intake; nutritional stress arises from feed scarcity or imbalance; social stress triggers aggression; and management stress results from confinement or handling. These stressors compromise immune function, disrupt endocrine balance, and provoke maladaptive behaviours. Behavioural indicators, such as panting, shivering, aggression and vocalization reflect how animals cope with stress. The review explains how behavioural adaptations influence productivity indicators and highlights assessment tools ranging from visual observation to sensor technologies and artificial intelligence. It also outlines welfare-enhancing strategies, including environmental enrichment, behavioural management, and precision livestock farming. Understanding these adaptive responses can inform context-specific welfare strategies. It also highlights the need for integrative frameworks that link behavioural insights with practical interventions, particularly in under-researched systems vulnerable to climate variability and resource constraints.
