Heat stress is a growing welfare challenge for farm animals as climate change increases temperature extremes, requiring adaptation strategies in housing, genetics, and management to maintain animal welfare.
Heat stress causes significant and measurable welfare harm to farm animals through elevated core temperature, panting, reduced activity, and physiological dysfunction. The welfare impact of climate change on farm animals is a growing concern that requires proactive adaptation. Animals that cannot thermoregulate effectively due to production genetics, confinement, or inadequate shade and cooling face prolonged heat stress with cumulative welfare and health impacts. Adaptation requires investment in shade provision, cooling systems, genetic selection for heat tolerance, and modified management during extreme heat events. The warming climate makes heat stress welfare planning an essential component of modern farm management.