Livestock Welfare

Heat Stress Management in Livestock

Climate change is making heat stress an increasingly critical welfare challenge for farmed animals worldwide.

Key Facts

Cattle experience heat stress above 22 degrees C when combined with high humidity
Heat stress costs the US livestock industry an estimated 2.4 billion dollars annually
Pigs, poultry, and dairy cattle are especially vulnerable due to limited cooling mechanisms
Heat stress reduces feed intake, production, fertility, and immune function
Shade, ventilation, and water access are the primary mitigation strategies

Welfare Considerations

Chronic heat stress causes prolonged suffering and compromised welfare in farm animals, manifesting as increased respiration rate, elevated body temperature, reduced activity, and reproductive failure. Climate change is expanding the geographic range and intensity of heat stress events. Heat abatement systems including shade, sprinklers, fans, and cool water must be considered essential welfare infrastructure, not optional extras.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory heat stress provisions in farm animal welfare regulations
Support farmers in accessing funding for heat abatement infrastructure
Choose producers with demonstrated heat stress management protocols
Support research into heat-tolerant livestock breeds and housing designs