Heat stress in cattle causes significant production losses and animal suffering, with climate change intensifying both the frequency and severity of heat events threatening herd welfare.
Cattle experiencing heat stress show obvious behavioral signs of suffering: panting, bunching in shade, standing in water, reduced grazing, and in severe cases trembling and collapse. Core body temperature rises above safe levels, damaging organs and causing neurological distress. Heat stroke — hyperthermia severe enough to cause irreversible organ damage — is acutely painful and often fatal. Pregnant cows suffer compounded stress, and heat stress during the first trimester increases embryo loss rates substantially. In feedlots, dark-surfaced cattle on compacted ground with no shade access are particularly vulnerable during summer heat events. The intersection of climate change and intensive cattle production means heat welfare problems will intensify without proactive infrastructure investments.