Livestock and Extreme Heat Events

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat events that cause acute welfare crises for intensively farmed livestock.

Key Facts

Heat stress in pigs begins above 25 degrees Celsius; mortality risk rises sharply above 35 degrees
Poultry heat stress events cause millions of deaths annually in the US alone
Cattle reduce feed intake by 10-35% during heat stress, affecting welfare and productivity
Emergency cooling measures — sprinklers, fans, shade — significantly reduce heat mortality
Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency and intensity across major farming regions

Welfare Considerations

Heat events cause acute welfare crises in livestock: hyperthermia, respiratory distress, collapse, and death. In intensive systems with limited shade, ventilation, and cooling infrastructure, heat waves can kill tens of thousands of animals in days. The welfare and commercial interests align perfectly — effective cooling reduces mortality and preserves productivity — yet infrastructure investment remains inadequate on many farms. Climate change is making this an escalating rather than static problem, requiring proactive planning rather than reactive emergency response.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring heat management infrastructure in all intensive livestock facilities
Advocate for heat action plans as a mandatory component of livestock welfare assurance
Learn about heat stress indicators in your animals and prepare emergency cooling measures
Support research into heat-resilient livestock breeds and management practices
Engage with climate adaptation as a core animal welfare policy issue