Livestock Heat Stress and Climate Adaptation

Rising temperatures due to climate change are increasing heat stress in farmed animals, requiring proactive adaptation in housing, management and breeding to protect animal welfare.

Key Facts

Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, with productivity and welfare impacts above 22 degrees Celsius THI (temperature-humidity index)
Heat stress in broilers causes panting, reduced feed intake, mortality and cardiovascular collapse
Sprinkler and misting systems, shade provision and ventilation are the primary heat stress mitigation tools
Genetic selection for heat tolerance is possible but requires balancing with other welfare and productivity traits
Climate models project that heat stress in livestock will intensify significantly in coming decades in Europe, North America and beyond

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress is already causing significant welfare harm in farmed animals globally, and climate change will dramatically intensify this challenge. Animals in poorly ventilated or shaded environments during heat events experience physiological stress, pain, and potentially fatal hyperthermia. Proactive investment in heat mitigation infrastructure and management protocols is a welfare imperative that will become increasingly critical as temperatures rise. Livestock welfare standards must evolve to include heat stress mitigation requirements.

What You Can Do

Support mandatory heat stress mitigation standards in livestock welfare legislation
Advocate for climate adaptation funding to be directed toward livestock welfare infrastructure
Choose products from certified farms with documented heat stress management plans
Support research into heat-tolerant breeds and genetic selection that prioritises welfare
Engage with food system organisations about incorporating heat stress mitigation into supply chain standards