Geographical analysis of climate impact on raising sheep and goats in the holy city of Karbala

Abstract

Ruminant animals, especially sheep and goats, are an essential source of food for humans and an important pillar of the national income in Iraq, especially Karbala Governorate. The study of these animals has attracted the attention of researchers in all sciences, including geography. The study took the climatic factors represented by solar radiation, temperature, rain, relative humidity and wind, to show their effect on the breeding of these animals. The research concluded that the location of the study area had a role in determining the climatic characteristics, as it made it characterized by extreme extremes in temperature, and it is also characterized by the lack of rain and its fluctuation due to its continental location and the high amount of solar radiation in the region, which leads to heatstroke or heat stress in ruminants, and then a lack of appetite. food, which is reflected in its production. Climate elements indirectly affect the type and quantity of fodder available to animals, their fodder needs, the type of plants and the entire crop