Climate change is increasingly affecting the welfare of farmed animals through rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, changes in disease and parasite distributions, and impacts on feed and water availability. Adapting livestock systems to these changing conditions is both an economic and welfare imperative.
Heat Stress as a Welfare Problem
Heat stress is the most direct climate-related welfare challenge facing livestock producers. High ambient temperatures combined with humidity exceed the thermoregulatory capacity of many livestock species and breeds, causing physiological stress, reduced feed intake, altered behavior, and in severe cases, heat stroke and death. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable: heat stress reduces milk production, compromises immune function, impairs reproductive performance, and causes measurable suffering.
As global temperatures rise, the duration and geographic extent of heat stress conditions are expanding. Regions previously considered low heat-stress risk are now experiencing temperature-humidity index values that compromise livestock welfare during summer months. Climate projections indicate this trend will intensify throughout the 21st century.
Adaptation Strategies for Heat Stress
Effective adaptation involves both infrastructure and management approaches. Shade provision is fundamental: livestock with access to shade show significantly lower heat stress indicators than those without. Cooling systems including misters, fans, and wetting-evaporation systems further reduce heat load in housed animals. Nutrition management — feeding during cooler periods and increasing energy density — supports welfare during heat events.
Breed selection offers longer-term adaptation pathways. Heat-adapted breeds — Bos indicus cattle, native sheep breeds adapted to hot environments, and poultry breeds with better heat tolerance — can be incorporated into production systems in high-risk regions. Crossbreeding programs combining productivity traits with heat tolerance are active areas of research.
Extreme Weather Events
Floods, droughts, and storms create acute welfare crises for livestock. Flood events cause drowning risk, disease outbreaks from contaminated water, and infrastructure damage disrupting feed and water supply. Drought reduces water availability and feed quality, causing chronic welfare impacts before acute emergencies. Emergency preparedness planning, evacuation protocols, and insurance systems support welfare during extreme events.
Disease and Parasite Range Shifts
Climate change is shifting the geographic ranges of disease vectors and parasites. Bluetongue virus, previously limited to tropical and subtropical regions, has expanded into Northern Europe. Tropical tick species are establishing in new areas, bringing tick-borne diseases with them. Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) is becoming more prevalent in areas that experience wetter winters, increasing parasite burden on sheep and cattle.
Welfare-sensitive disease management — including strategic vaccination, parasite monitoring, and targeted treatment — is becoming more important as disease pressure increases in previously low-risk areas.
Sustainable Livestock Systems and Welfare
Climate adaptation that reduces livestock's own contribution to climate change aligns welfare and environmental goals. Emissions reduction strategies including feed additives, improved nutrition, and reduced enteric methane are compatible with good welfare management. Pasture-based systems with appropriate tree cover (agroforestry) provide natural shade and shelter while sequestering carbon — offering climate adaptation and mitigation co-benefits alongside welfare improvements.