Livestock Welfare in Heat Stress

Heat stress is a growing welfare challenge for livestock as global temperatures rise, reducing both animal welfare and farm productivity.

Key Facts

Heat stress costs US livestock producers an estimated $2.4 billion annually in productivity losses
Dairy cows are particularly heat-sensitive and produce 10-25% less milk when heat-stressed
Pigs cannot sweat and depend on wallowing and shade for thermoregulation
Broiler chickens in hot conditions show open-mouth panting that precedes collapse
Climate change is extending heat stress periods and increasing their severity globally

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in livestock causes measurable suffering that manifests behaviorally before physiological damage occurs. Animals panting, huddling in shade, refusing feed, and reducing activity are experiencing thermal discomfort that, if prolonged, progresses to heat exhaustion and death. The welfare and economic impacts of heat stress are aligned — both are reduced by the same interventions of shade provision, cooling systems, and reduced stocking density during hot periods. Climate change is making heat stress management an increasingly critical welfare issue.

What You Can Do

Support climate action as a livestock welfare intervention
Advocate for shade and cooling requirements in livestock welfare standards
Donate to research on heat stress mitigation in livestock systems
Choose livestock products from operations in cooler climates or with documented cooling systems
Support animal emergency response programs during extreme heat events