Livestock Welfare in Hot Weather

Increasing summer temperatures due to climate change are amplifying heat stress risks for housed livestock, requiring proactive management to prevent welfare deterioration and mortality.

Key Facts

Cattle begin experiencing heat stress at temperatures above 25C combined with humidity
Dairy cows in heat stress reduce feed intake, milk production, and reproductive performance
Pigs are particularly vulnerable with no ability to sweat and limited panting efficiency
Shade provision, water access, and ventilation management are primary heat mitigation tools
Climate projections predict more frequent and severe heat events in the UK through the 21st century

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress welfare for livestock is a climate change challenge that will intensify over coming decades. Current management systems in the UK were designed for a climate with fewer and less severe heat episodes than projections indicate will occur. The welfare implications of inadequate adaptation are serious: severe heat stress causes physiological deterioration, reduces immune function, and in extreme cases causes mass mortality events. Proactive adaptation — improving shade provision, installing additional ventilation, adjusting feeding times, and developing climate-resilient housing designs — addresses welfare while also protecting production. The welfare and economic cases for climate adaptation investment in livestock systems are aligned.

What You Can Do

If you manage livestock, develop a hot weather action plan with ventilation, shade, and water provisions
Advocate for climate adaptation planning requirements in livestock welfare certification
Support research into heat stress mitigation in livestock housing
Choose food from producers with demonstrated climate adaptation investment