Strategic nutritional interventions for livestock during environmental crises

Abstract

Natural disasters such as floods, droughts, cyclones, and wildfires severely disrupt the availability of feed and water for domestic animals. These events often damage supply chains, grazing lands, and shelter, forcing both animals and caretakers to adapt feeding practices rapidly. This paper examines the alternative feeding strategies employed for domestic animals during such crises, including the use of emergency rations, crop residues, commercial feed substitutes, and modified feeding schedules. It also highlights the role of local knowledge, government support, and veterinary guidance in managing livestock nutrition under stress. Understanding and improving these adaptive strategies is vital for animal welfare, food security, and the resilience of rural livelihoods in disaster-prone regions.