Farm Animal Welfare

Livestock Heat Stress Mitigation Advanced

Advanced strategies for mitigating heat stress in livestock as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Key Facts

Heat stress costs the US livestock industry over $1.7 billion annually
Dairy cows become heat stressed at temperatures above 25 degrees C with high humidity
Heat stress during pregnancy affects foetal development and calf welfare
Shade, ventilation, and cooling systems significantly reduce heat stress signs
Climate change will increase the duration and frequency of heat stress events

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress is an increasingly important welfare concern as climate change expands the geographic range and duration of heat events. Livestock that cannot thermoregulate effectively experience pain, reduced immunity, and reproductive failure. Proactive provision of shade, ventilation, cooling, and adjusted management practices are essential welfare investments for a warming climate.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented heat stress management programmes
Advocate for heat stress mitigation to be included in welfare assurance standards
Support research into livestock breeds better adapted to warmer conditions