Heat Stress in Livestock and Climate Welfare Impacts

Climate change is increasing heat stress in livestock globally - with significant welfare and production consequences requiring adaptation in farming systems.

Key Facts

Dairy cows experience heat stress at temperatures above 20-22 degrees Celsius combined with high humidity
Heat stress in dairy cows reduces milk production, fertility, and immune function
Broiler chickens are particularly vulnerable to heat stress - mortality events are increasing in frequency
Global livestock heat stress losses are estimated at billions of dollars annually
Adaptation measures include cooling systems, shade, ventilation, and genetic selection for heat tolerance
Climate projections show substantial increase in heat stress days for European livestock by 2050

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes acute and chronic suffering in livestock. Cattle in heat stress show panting, reduced feed intake, altered posture, and impaired reproduction. Poultry in heat stress experience respiratory distress and high mortality. As climate change increases average temperatures and frequency of extreme heat events, heat stress welfare impacts will intensify. Adaptation requires investment in cooling infrastructure, genetic selection for heat tolerance, modified stocking densities, and altered feeding times. The welfare crisis from heat stress in livestock is an underappreciated consequence of climate change.

What You Can Do

Support farm adaptation programmes providing cooling infrastructure for livestock
Engage with government about climate adaptation funding for farming welfare improvements
Choose livestock products from farms with documented heat stress management
Reduce meat and dairy consumption to reduce pressure on high-intensity farming systems that are most vulnerable
Support animal welfare organisations advocating for climate-adaptive livestock management
Follow climate and livestock welfare research through AHDB and university agricultural departments