Heat stress is a growing welfare and production problem in cattle as climate change increases summer temperatures, causing suffering and reduced health outcomes.
Heat-stressed cattle show reduced feed intake, increased respiratory rate, reduced movement, and physiological signs of hyperthermia. Chronic heat stress impairs immune function, increasing disease susceptibility. Pregnant cows under heat stress produce calves with lifelong productivity and immune deficits. Adequate shade, cooling systems, and modified management are effective interventions that are often underprovided in UK farming.