What is one impact of water insecurity on livestock?

Water insecurity can have severe repercussions on livestock health and productivity. When livestock do not have sufficient access to water, they can experience dehydration, which may lead to a range of serious health issues, including organ failure and ultimately death. Access to clean and adequate water is crucial for maintaining the physiological functions of animals, supporting digestion, and ensuring metabolic processes occur correctly.

In contrast, increased productivity and favorable growth conditions are typically outcomes associated with sufficient water availability. Since water is essential for growth, reproduction, and overall health, any deficiency can cause significant stress on animals, leading to declines rather than improvements in their productivity and wellbeing. Additionally, while health benefits generally follow proper hydration, water insecurity disrupts this balance and may prevent livestock from achieving good health, thereby emphasizing the critical nature of adequate water supply for livestock management.