Heat stress in cattle, pigs, and poultry is a growing welfare crisis as global temperatures rise, causing significant production losses and severe animal suffering during hot weather events.
Heat stress causes acute suffering including panting, hypersalivation, lethargy, and loss of appetite in mild cases, and heat stroke, metabolic alkalosis, and death in severe cases. The suffering involved in severe heat stress events is considerable. Livestock kept in enclosed housing without adequate ventilation are particularly vulnerable. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat events, meaning existing barn designs and management systems require retrofitting or replacement. Prioritising animal welfare in building design — including maximum ventilation capacity, shade provision, and misting systems — protects both animal welfare and farm productivity, as the two are closely aligned in this case.