23. Shelter Design for Different Livestock from a Climate Change Perspective

Shelter design of different livestock needs suitable modifications to prevail climate change infliction. Thermal stress alleviation, methane mitigation and optimisation of space requirements are major shelter design considerations for livestock in the climate change scenario. In this perspective, the chapter deals with considerations and some suggested modifications in flooring, roofing, heat stress alleviation and waste management and disease prevention aspects of housing of different livestock. In cattle barns, the thermal conductivity of floor, ventilation aspects and other thermal properties of different roofs and roofing materials, temperature humidity index (THI)-based wetting and other important thermal stress alleviation techniques and measures to reduce methane emission through proper waste management are relevant in the context. In pigsties, flooring, roof, thermal stress aspect, disease prevention and waste management aspects need careful considerations. Proper designing of goat units not only averts production loss but also optimises space utilisation and prevents diseases ensuring maximum production. Rabbit and poultry are highly susceptible to stress, especially due to climatic variations, and the success of rabbit and poultry farming mostly depends on congenial macro- and micro-environments and the effectiveness of the ameliorating measures taken to reduce the stress factors. The integration of different livestock through suitable designs will ensure food security, reduce stress and help in carbon recycling. Innovative, integrated and self-sufficient shelter designs for climate change adaption of animal agriculture can be achieved through multidisciplinary approach.