Rising temperatures from climate change are increasing the frequency and severity of heat stress in livestock, requiring adaptation strategies that protect both animal welfare and farm productivity.
Heat stress causes significant suffering in livestock adapted to temperate climates but increasingly exposed to heat events as climate changes. Animals experiencing heat stress show reduced feed intake, increased water consumption, altered thermoregulatory behaviour, and suppressed immune function. Chronic heat stress across multiple production cycles causes cumulative welfare harm. Adaptation measures including shade provision, ventilation improvements, water cooling systems, and breed selection for heat tolerance are both welfare investments and commercially sensible adaptations to changing climate conditions.