RISPOSTA AL CAMBIAMENTO CLIMATICO NEL SISTEMA PRODUTTIVO OVINO: ADATTABILITA’ ALLO STRESS IDRICO E TERMICO

This thesis examines the impacts of climate change on animal welfare, with a particular focus on heat stress and the decreasing availability of water. The research centers on a sample of 40 sheep, monitored through nine measurements to assess the influence of these environmental conditions on weight trends, Body Condition Score (BCS), and the intake of food and water. The results highlight a significant correlation between the rise in temperatures and changes in feeding behavior and the productive efficiency of the animals. Notably, a tendency towards reduced weight and BCS under thermal stress conditions is observed, coupled with an increased water consumption. These data underscore the importance of adaptation and improvement strategies to preserve animal welfare in the context of climate change, with direct implications for the sustainability of farming practices. Furthermore, the thesis proposes guidelines for managing sheep farms in at-risk environments, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach that includes environmental, ethological, and physiological considerations.