Heat stress in cattle causes significant production losses and severe welfare impacts, becoming increasingly important to manage as temperatures rise globally.
Heat stress causes genuine physiological and psychological suffering in cattle. Affected animals experience elevated respiratory rates, increased core body temperature, seek shade compulsively, and reduce all non-essential activity. Severe heat stress causes acidosis, immunosuppression and organ failure. The welfare impact extends beyond acute suffering to include chronic reproductive failure and reduced immunity throughout prolonged hot periods. As climate change intensifies, heat stress management is transitioning from an optional management practice to a fundamental welfare requirement.