Heat stress in cattle is a growing welfare and productivity problem as global temperatures rise. Understanding and mitigating heat stress is increasingly critical for dairy and beef cattle welfare.
Heat stress is a growing welfare crisis for cattle in many regions as climate change extends and intensifies summer conditions. Chronic heat stress causes persistent elevation of stress hormones, reduced feed intake, impaired reproduction, and compromised immune function. The welfare impact of heat stress is frequently underappreciated because affected animals cannot remove themselves from the stressor. Adequate shade provision is the minimum welfare requirement; forced shade from buildings or natural tree canopy should be available to all cattle during hot weather. Improved cooling systems represent significant capital investment but provide measurable welfare and productivity benefits. Breed selection for heat tolerance is a longer-term adaptation strategy for operations in warming regions.