Farm Animals

Livestock Heat Stress: A Growing Crisis

Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat stress events in livestock, posing serious welfare and production challenges globally.

Key Facts

Cattle begin experiencing heat stress at around 25 degrees Celsius
Heat stress during gestation affects calf birth weight and immune function
Dairy cow milk production falls by up to 20% during heat stress
Poultry panting and reduced feed intake are early heat stress signs
The economic cost of heat stress to US livestock exceeds 2 billion dollars annually

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes acute suffering in livestock unable to thermoregulate effectively. Signs include rapid breathing, elevated heart rate, drooling, and reduced movement. Severe heat stress leads to heat stroke, organ failure, and death. Pregnant animals experience foetal stress that can cause premature birth or affect lifelong immunity in offspring.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory heat stress action plans on farms
Support shade, ventilation, and cooling investment requirements
Back breed selection research for heat-tolerant livestock varieties
Urge climate adaptation in national agricultural plans
Choose welfare-certified products from systems with heat stress standards