Heat Abatement and Livestock Welfare in a Warming Climate 2025

Keywords: heat stress, livestock welfare, cooling systems, climate change, cattle pigs poultry

Climate change is intensifying heat stress across all livestock species, with projected temperature increases threatening welfare, productivity, and survival. Cattle experience heat stress above 25°C THI (temperature-humidity index), causing reduced feed intake, increased water consumption, respiratory panting, and reproductive failure. Dairy cows lose 10–30% milk production during heat stress periods. Pigs, unable to sweat, are highly vulnerable; optimal temperatures are 18–22°C. Poultry mortality during heatwaves can reach 10–20%. Welfare-positive interventions include shade provision, sprinkler and misting systems, increased ventilation, nocturnal feeding schedules, and genetic selection for heat-tolerant breeds. Economic analyses show that cooling investment generates positive returns through maintained production and reduced mortality. Climate adaptation planning is now integrated into welfare assessment frameworks.

Key References: IPCC Livestock Climate Adaptation 2024; Journal of Dairy Science Heat Stress Review 2024; FAO Climate-Livestock Welfare 2023

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