Based upon climate projections provided by the B2 and A2 IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change) scenarios, the impacts of climate change on regional milk production in the Pernambuco State have been evaluated. Thus, the values of the temperature and humidity indexes (THI) have been computed considering the temperature and relative humidity modelling projections. Afterwards, the milk production decline (MPD) has been estimated for three production levels (10, 20 e 30 kg animal -1day-1). The values of the feed intake reduction (FIR) were also calculated. It has been demonstrated that climate change as projected by the A2 and B2 scenarios leads to substantial modifications in the present day areas suitable for livestock, particularly at the main Pernambuco production regions (Garanhuns, Ipanema and Ipojuca Valley). The results may, therefore, help farmers and government on the evaluation of the production system vulnerability, as well as suggesting mitigation and adaptation policies for the dairy husbandry in the State of Pernambuco, taking climatic change into account.
MPD; THI; climate risk; milk livestock
