Effects of Climatic Conditions on Animal Rearing in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) during 2022 and 2024

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of climatic conditions on animal rearing in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR) during the years 2022 and 2024. Using farm-level observations, meteorological records, and targeted surveys of smallholder and peri-urban commercial farms, the study describes relationships between temperature–humidity variations, extreme weather events, and animal performance (growth, milk/egg yield, reproduction, morbidity and mortality). Findings indicate that variations in temperature and humidity in these years were associated with measurable impacts on productivity, welfare and disease patterns across poultry, dairy cattle and small ruminants. The paper presents management and adaptation strategies suitable for Delhi NCR producers to reduce climate-related risk and maintain productivity. The observed patterns align with broader research showing that heat stress impairs feed intake, metabolic efficiency, reproductive physiology and immunity in livestock and poultry. In Delhi NCR’s peri-urban settings, limitations in infrastructure, capital and space constrain the application of optimal mitigation (e.g., large-scale evaporative cooling). Smallholders often rely on low-cost behavioral adjustments (timing feed, extra water), which reduce impact but do not fully offset productivity losses during severe or prolonged heat events.