Farm Animal Welfare

Livestock and Heat Stress: A Growing Crisis

Climate change is intensifying heat stress in farm animals, reducing welfare and productivity while affecting billions of animals globally.

Key Facts

Heat stress reduces milk production in dairy cows by 10-25%
Poultry are particularly vulnerable to heat stress due to limited thermoregulation
High-producing dairy cows generate enormous body heat from metabolism
Heat stress affects fertility, immune function, and behavior in all farm species
Climate projections suggest heat stress will worsen significantly in coming decades

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress is not merely an economic problem but a significant welfare issue causing suffering, mortality, and chronic physiological compromise. As temperatures rise globally, the welfare burden will increase unless adaptive measures are implemented. Shade, ventilation, water access, and breed selection for heat tolerance are key welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support climate action as a farm animal welfare issue
Advocate for mandatory heat stress mitigation in animal welfare regulations
Choose animal products from farms with documented heat stress management plans
Support research into heat-tolerant breeds and welfare-friendly cooling systems