Sheep adapted to temperate climates face increasing welfare risk from heat stress as climate change intensifies summer conditions, with wool-bearing animals particularly vulnerable during high ambient temperature events.
Sheep in extreme heat events experience the same physiological heat stress cascade as other mammals — respiratory distress, lethargy, reduced feeding, and eventual death in severe cases. The paradox of a wool-bearing animal designed for cold climates experiencing extreme summer heat creates welfare challenges that are worsening as climate patterns shift. Shade provision, strategic shearing timing, and breed selection for heat tolerance are the primary adaptive management responses.