Water Contamination in Livestock Production: Impacts, Causes, and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

Water contamination poses a significant threat to sustainable livestock production, directly affecting animal health, productivity, and product safety. This systematic review synthesizes existing literature on the impacts, causes, and mitigation strategies of water contamination in livestock production systems. A systematic literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases using key terms including "water contamination," "livestock," and "water pollution," restricted to peer-reviewed studies published between 2014 and 2024. The findings identify agricultural activities-particularly intensive livestock farming-as primary contributors to water pollution through nutrient runoff, pesticide application, and improper waste management. Key contaminants, including pathogens, agricultural chemicals, and excess nutrients, adversely affect livestock health by reducing growth rates, impairing reproductive performance, and increasing disease susceptibility. Water contamination also exacerbates broader environmental challenges, including eutrophication and biodiversity loss. Reviewed studies consistently emphasize best management practices as effective mitigation strategies, including improved waste management systems, reduced chemical inputs, and comprehensive watershed protection measures. However, effective adoption of these strategies is frequently impeded by limited water resources, inadequate infrastructure, and fragmented policy frameworks. Addressing water contamination in livestock production requires concerted and coordinated efforts in evidence-based policy development, stakeholder capacity building, and public engagement to ensure both sustainable livestock practices and long-term water resource conservation.