Livestock Heat Stress Prevention and Welfare

How heat stress affects farmed animals and evidence-based strategies to protect welfare during extreme temperatures.

Key Facts

Heat stress costs the US livestock industry over 2 billion dollars annually in production losses
Dairy cows experiencing heat stress show reduced milk production, fertility, and immune function
Poultry are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, with mortality rates increasing sharply above 35 degrees C
Shade, ventilation, cooling systems, and adjusted feeding times significantly reduce heat stress impacts
Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat events affecting livestock worldwide
Heat stress in late-gestation animals has lasting negative effects on offspring health and productivity

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in livestock represents a growing welfare emergency as climate change extends extreme temperature periods. Animals in intensive confinement systems are particularly vulnerable because they cannot seek shade, reduce activity, or access water beyond what the system provides. Welfare-focused heat stress management requires proactive investment in cooling infrastructure, adjusted feeding schedules to take advantage of cooler periods, increased water provision, and welfare-based early warning systems tied to local weather forecasting.

What You Can Do

Support policy mandating minimum heat stress mitigation standards for confined livestock operations
Advocate for shade and cooling requirements in outdoor livestock welfare standards
Choose products from farms with documented heat stress management plans
Support research into climate-resilient livestock breeds and heat management strategies