Livestock Heat Stress: Climate Change and Animal Welfare

As temperatures rise, heat stress in farmed animals is becoming a growing welfare crisis, particularly for cattle, pigs, and poultry in intensive systems.

Key Facts

Heat stress costs the US livestock industry over 2 billion USD annually
Broilers show significant mortality when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius
Dairy cows in heat stress have reduced milk production and reproductive failure
Pigs cannot sweat and are highly vulnerable to high temperatures
Climate change is projected to increase heat stress frequency and severity by 2050

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes panting, reduced feed intake, immune suppression, and death in severe cases. Cattle with body temperatures above 39.5 degrees Celsius are in acute welfare distress. Broilers bred for rapid growth have higher metabolic rates, making them more susceptible to heat. Sows in farrowing crates cannot thermoregulate behaviourally. Heat stress causes increased cortisol and adrenaline, indicating significant subjective distress. Provision of shade, ventilation, water, and cooling technology are welfare necessities.

What You Can Do

Support climate action to reduce the frequency and intensity of heat events
Advocate for mandatory cooling provision in farm animal welfare legislation
Choose farms with documented heat management protocols
Engage with food companies about heat stress management in their supply chains
Support research into climate-resilient livestock breeds and housing systems