Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat events that cause severe welfare compromise in livestock, particularly in housed dairy and pig systems.
Heat stress causes multi-system welfare compromise: panting, reduced feed intake, altered posture, and physiological stress that impairs immunity and reproduction. In severe cases, heat exhaustion and death occur within hours. The welfare obligation to protect livestock from preventable heat stress is increasingly urgent as climate change intensifies extreme weather. Interventions include: ventilation system upgrades, sprinkler and misting systems for pigs and dairy cows, provision of shade, reduced stocking density during hot periods, altered feeding schedules (feeding at cooler times of day), and emergency cooling protocols. Emergency heatwave plans should be standard practice for all livestock farms. The Climate Emergency Animal Welfare Project provides guidance on adapting livestock systems for climate change.