Farm Animals

Livestock Heat Stress Management

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat stress events for livestock, causing suffering and production losses.

Key Facts

Heat stress costs the US livestock industry over 2 billion dollars annually
Dairy cows experiencing heat stress show reduced milk production by 20-40%
Pigs are particularly vulnerable due to limited sweat glands
Heat stress during pregnancy causes lasting developmental harm to offspring
Shade access reduces heat stress mortality by over 90% in cattle

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes acute suffering including panting, lethargy, reduced feed intake, and in severe cases death. Chronic heat stress impairs immune function and reproductive performance. Simple interventions like shade, ventilation, and water access can dramatically reduce suffering during hot periods.

What You Can Do

Support farms that provide shade and cooling systems
Advocate for mandatory heat stress provisions in livestock welfare codes
Support early warning systems for extreme heat events on farms
Choose animal products from farms with climate adaptation plans
Support research on heat-tolerant breeds and welfare strategies