Farm Animal Welfare

Dairy Cow Heat Stress and Summer Welfare

Heat stress is a leading cause of welfare compromise and production loss in dairy cattle globally, with climate change intensifying the problem.

Key Facts

Dairy cattle begin experiencing heat stress at temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius combined with high humidity
Heat-stressed cows show reduced feed intake, increased respiratory rate, and hormonal disruption
Milk production decreases by 10 to 25% during heat stress periods
Heat stress during pregnancy causes calves to be born with permanently compromised immune systems
Cooling systems including shade, fans, and sprinklers reduce heat stress indicators by 60 to 80%

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in dairy cows causes acute discomfort and chronic physiological disruption. Cows seeking shade and reducing movement are engaging in thermoregulatory behavior that, when frustrated by lack of shade in open systems, leads to prolonged suffering. Climate change is lengthening heat stress seasons globally, making cooling infrastructure a growing welfare necessity.

What You Can Do

Support dairy welfare standards requiring cooling infrastructure in regions with summer heat stress risk
Choose dairy products from farms with documented cooling facilities and heat stress management plans
Advocate for climate policy that reduces warming and thus the livestock heat stress burden