Heat stress is a growing welfare and productivity challenge for cattle worldwide. As temperatures rise, active management strategies are increasingly essential.
Heat stress causes genuine suffering — elevated core temperature, panting, behavioral changes, and physiological stress responses are all indicators. High-producing dairy cows in poorly ventilated housing or without shade can experience severe, prolonged heat stress during summer months. The welfare impact is direct and measurable, and the solutions are straightforward. Shade, water, and air movement are basic provisions that all cattle management systems should guarantee.