Intensive Farming

Livestock Cold Stress Welfare

Cold stress in livestock without adequate shelter and nutrition causes welfare harm that is often underestimated relative to heat stress.

Key Facts

Cattle in wet, cold conditions without shelter lose body condition rapidly
Neonatal livestock are highly susceptible to hypothermia within hours of birth
Energy requirements increase significantly in cold weather reducing body reserves
Shelter, bedding, and nutrition management prevent most cold stress welfare problems

Welfare Considerations

Cattle and sheep exposed to cold, wet conditions without shelter experience progressive hypothermia and body condition loss as metabolic demands exceed intake. Neonates without rapid drying and shelter die from hypothermia within hours. The welfare burden of cold stress is underappreciated relative to heat stress despite causing significant suffering in inadequately managed extensive systems.

What You Can Do

Ensure livestock have access to shelter during cold wet weather
Provide additional energy supplementation during cold periods
Monitor newborn livestock for hypothermia and provide immediate warming if needed
Advocate for shelter requirements in livestock welfare standards