Farmed Animals

Livestock Heat Stress and Climate Change Welfare Impacts

Rising temperatures from climate change are increasingly causing heat stress in farm animals, with significant welfare and productivity impacts.

Key Facts

Dairy cows experience heat stress above 25 Celsius
Heat stress causes reduced feed intake, milk production, and immune function in cattle
Poultry mortality from heat waves can reach 5-10% of flocks
Shade, ventilation, and water access can reduce heat stress substantially

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes physiological distress, pain from hyperthermia, and secondary effects including immune suppression and reproductive failure. Climate change is increasing the frequency, duration, and intensity of heat events. Farm animals housed indoors in poorly ventilated buildings or outdoors without shade are particularly vulnerable. Climate-adaptive husbandry must prioritize thermal welfare.

What You Can Do

Advocate for climate-adaptive standards in farm animal housing
Support research on heat stress mitigation in livestock production
Choose producers demonstrating active heat stress management
Engage with food companies about climate adaptation plans for their supply chains