Temperature extremes during livestock transport cause significant suffering and mortality. Climate change is making thermal management in livestock transport an increasing priority.
Transport thermal welfare is a complex challenge involving vehicle design, journey time, loading density, rest stops and ambient conditions. Animals in transit cannot thermoregulate effectively when crowded: evaporative cooling from panting is reduced by neighbouring animals' body heat and moisture. Modern vehicles with active ventilation and temperature monitoring improve outcomes, but many older vehicles lack these features. Journey time restrictions (8 hours for pigs in EU/UK) limit thermal exposure but are poorly enforced. Climate change is making summer transport welfare increasingly critical.