Livestock Heat Stress: Climate Change and Animal Welfare

Climate change is intensifying heat stress in livestock. Welfare-focused adaptation strategies protect animals from increasing temperature extremes.

Key Facts

Heat stress reduces feed intake, milk production, reproduction, and immune function in livestock
Cattle experience heat stress above 25°C when humidity is moderate — thresholds vary by species
Global temperatures have increased 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, with more warming projected
Mortality events from heat stress affect poultry, pigs, and cattle during extreme heat episodes
Shade access, cooling systems (sprinklers, fans), and access to water reduce heat stress significantly
High-producing dairy cows generate more metabolic heat and are more heat-susceptible than lower-producing animals
Climate-adapted breeds show better heat tolerance but often have lower production performance

Welfare Considerations

Livestock heat stress is a welfare problem that is intensifying with climate change. As global temperatures rise and extreme heat events become more frequent and severe, the welfare impact on heat-sensitive livestock species will increase substantially. Cattle, pigs, and poultry are all vulnerable to heat stress in different ways and at different thresholds. The welfare impacts of heat stress — reduced appetite, panting, lethargy, and in severe cases, mortality — are direct and measurable. Adaptation strategies include shade provision, evaporative cooling systems, adjusting feeding times to cooler parts of the day, and selecting for heat-tolerant genetics. The long-term welfare solution requires both on-farm adaptation and the broader climate mitigation that reduces the severity of future warming. Animal agriculture is both a significant contributor to and a significant victim of climate change.

What You Can Do

Support farms implementing climate adaptation measures including shade, cooling, and water access
Advocate for welfare standards requiring heat stress mitigation in all livestock housing
Support climate policy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including from animal agriculture
Choose products from farms using more climate-resilient breeds and management practices
Donate to research into livestock heat stress tolerance and adaptation strategies