Farm Animals

Livestock Heat Stress and Climate Adaptation

Rising temperatures caused by climate change are increasing heat stress in livestock, reducing welfare, productivity, and animal health.

Key Facts

Heat stress begins in cattle at approximately 25 degrees Celsius
Dairy cows under heat stress produce less milk and experience fertility problems
Pigs cannot sweat and are highly vulnerable to heat
Poultry mortality during heat waves can reach catastrophic levels
Projections show heat stress days increasing significantly by 2050

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes suffering including rapid breathing, lethargy, reduced feed intake, and in severe cases organ failure and death. Intensive indoor systems without adequate cooling are particularly dangerous. Climate adaptation strategies including shade, cooling systems, and changing feeding schedules protect animal welfare.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring heat mitigation measures
Choose farms that demonstrate climate adaptation planning
Advocate for building regulations requiring ventilation in livestock housing
Support research into heat-tolerant breeds and farming systems
Reduce meat consumption to decrease total livestock under climate stress