Livestock Welfare in Extreme Heat Events

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat events that threaten farm animal welfare, requiring adaptation strategies that protect both animals and livelihoods.

Key Facts

UK temperatures exceeded 40 degrees C for the first time in July 2022
Poultry are especially vulnerable to acute heat stress and mortality increases sharply above 30 degrees C
Cattle with black coats absorb more solar radiation and are more heat-stressed than pale breeds
Emergency ventilation and sprinkler systems can reduce heat stress mortality
Long-term farm adaptation requires investment in housing design for warmer climates

Welfare Considerations

Extreme heat welfare harms are acute and escalating: poultry flocks can experience mass mortality within hours in inadequately ventilated buildings; dairy cows in heat stress show rapid production decline and immune suppression; pigs without wallowing or cooling access develop heat exhaustion. The 2022 UK heatwave demonstrated that housing designed for temperate climates is inadequate for the new climate normal. Welfare regulation must anticipate rather than respond to the welfare crises that worsening heat events will create.

What You Can Do

Support farm welfare standards that require heat adaptation plans
Advocate for building regulation updates requiring cooling in new farm buildings
Choose animal products from farms demonstrating climate adaptation investment
Support farmer transition funding for climate-resilient housing upgrades
Engage with government on climate adaptation requirements in farm support payments