Heat stress in dairy and beef cattle is a major welfare and productivity concern that is intensifying with climate change, requiring proactive management strategies across farming systems.
Heat stress in cattle causes genuine suffering — panting, seeking shade, reduced activity, and behavioural signs of discomfort are all observable welfare indicators. In intensive systems where shade and cooling are inadequate, heat stress can be severe and prolonged. Pregnant cows and their calves face particular risks, with heat stress during late gestation having lasting developmental consequences for offspring. As climate change extends and intensifies heat stress periods, welfare management that was adequate in past decades may become inadequate without active adaptation. Welfare assessment frameworks and farm assurance standards are beginning to incorporate heat stress management requirements, but implementation remains inconsistent.