Heat stress in dairy and beef cattle causes significant welfare harm and production losses, with climate change making effective thermal management an increasingly critical issue.
Cattle heat stress is a welfare and production problem that is growing in significance as global temperatures rise. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable due to their high metabolic heat production from milk synthesis. Chronic heat stress causes suffering through thermal discomfort, reduced feed intake, and physiological disruption affecting immune function, reproductive success, and overall health. Climate change is bringing heat stress conditions to regions where it was previously rare, requiring proactive investment in cooling infrastructure including shade, evaporative cooling, and ventilation. The welfare of cattle in a warmer world requires climate adaptation planning integrated into farm management.