Heat stress in cattle causes significant welfare impacts including reduced appetite, respiratory distress, and elevated body temperature. With climate change, heat stress events are becoming more frequent and severe.
Heat stress in cattle is a genuine welfare problem causing physiological stress, pain from chronic rumination disorders, and in severe cases hyperthermia and death. As climate change increases the frequency and duration of hot weather events, managing heat stress becomes increasingly important. Providing adequate shade, ventilation, and cool water are minimum requirements; active cooling through sprinkler systems and fans significantly reduces heat load in intensive systems. Breed selection for heat tolerance may be relevant for farms in warmer climates.