Livestock Heat Stress: Climate Change and Farm Animal Welfare

Climate change is intensifying heat stress for billions of farm animals. Adapting production systems is an urgent welfare and food security priority.

Key Facts

Dairy cows experience heat stress when temperatures exceed approximately 25 degrees Celsius combined with high humidity
Heat stress reduces feed intake, milk production, reproductive performance and immune function in cattle
Poultry are highly susceptible to heat stroke; temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius can be rapidly fatal
Pigs cannot sweat and rely on wallowing and panting to cool themselves; indoor systems must provide cooling
Climate projections indicate that heat stress events will become more frequent and intense in major production regions
Economic losses from heat stress in US livestock exceed 1.5 billion dollars annually and are projected to worsen

Welfare Considerations

Climate change is transforming the welfare landscape for farm animals globally. Heat stress is not merely an economic issue: it causes acute physiological suffering including panting, lethargy, and dangerous hyperthermia, and in severe cases death. Farm animals in indoor systems without cooling facilities are particularly vulnerable as buildings can become heat traps. Adaptation strategies including shade provision, ventilation upgrades, cooling sprinklers, and dietary adjustments can significantly reduce heat stress. The welfare dimension requires that adaptation planning be driven by animal wellbeing needs rather than only by production losses.

What You Can Do

Advocate for mandatory heat stress prevention standards for all commercial farm animal housing
Support research into climate-adapted breeds and management systems that reduce heat stress vulnerability
Engage with governments to include farm animal welfare in climate adaptation planning and funding
Choose products from producers who demonstrate commitment to heat stress management as a welfare priority
Support campaigns to improve outdoor shade access for grazing animals in warming climates