Farmed Animals

Livestock Welfare During Heat Waves

Increasingly frequent heat waves pose acute welfare risks to livestock that require planned management responses.

Key Facts

The 2022 UK heat wave saw temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, causing livestock welfare emergencies
Pigs and poultry are particularly vulnerable because they cannot sweat effectively
Heat stress causes panting, reduced feed intake, reproductive failure, and death in severe cases
Emergency cooling measures include water sprinklers, additional ventilation, and reduced stocking density
Climate projections indicate increasing frequency and severity of heat waves across Europe

Welfare Considerations

Heat waves create acute livestock welfare emergencies with potential for mass mortality. Advance planning, investment in cooling infrastructure, and emergency response protocols are essential to protect livestock welfare as climate change increases heat wave frequency and intensity. Farmers, vets, and welfare bodies all have roles in heat wave preparedness.

What You Can Do

Support farm heat wave preparedness planning as a welfare requirement
Advocate for mandatory heat stress management plans for intensive livestock farms
Choose certified products from farms with documented heat management systems
Support agricultural policy that includes climate adaptation funding for welfare infrastructure