Changing characteristics of water resources and their impact on livestock farming in Dhi Qar Governorate

Abstract

The study of changing characteristics of water resources is of great importance because of its environmental repercussions that directly and indirectly affect agricultural production, both plant and animal.                

The research aims to reveal the extent of the impact of changing water       characteristics of the Euphrates and Gharaf rivers and marsh waters on livestock breeding in Dhi Qar Governorate.                                                  

  The research showed that changing quantitative and qualitative             characteristics of river and marsh waters affected animal husbandry systems and the life problems suffered by ruminant animals in the region.                 

The research was divided into several axes. The first axis studied the spatial distribution of water bodies in Dhi Qar Governorate, and the second axis showed the qualitative composition of livestock animals in Dhi Qar Governorate. The third axis explained the quantitative characteristics of surface water in Dhi Qar Governorate. The fourth axis clearly stated quality and quality. Surface water, and the fifth topic discussed the spatial relationships between water characteristics and livestock farming. The research showed a number of results, including that increasing salt concentration values in surface water is directly related to the infection of livestock animals with skin diseases, and the death of some of them. The decline in marsh water levels and the shrinkage of their area also led to the displacement of buffalo breeders, which affected their breeding systems