Farm Animal Welfare

Livestock Welfare in Extreme Heat Events

Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme heat events affecting livestock welfare through heat stress, reduced productivity and mortality.

Key Facts

Cattle show heat stress above temperature-humidity index of 72
Heat stress causes reduced feed intake, milk yield and reproductive performance
Shade, ventilation and water provision are minimum requirements during heat events
Genomic selection for heat tolerance is being incorporated into dairy breeding programmes
Severe heat events cause direct mortality in unprotected livestock

Welfare Considerations

Extreme heat events represent an increasing welfare emergency for livestock globally. Emergency protocols including emergency water, shade and in extreme cases indoor housing reduce heat stress welfare impact. Climate adaptation of production systems is an urgent welfare imperative.

What You Can Do

Support farms that invest in heat stress mitigation infrastructure
Advocate for mandatory heat stress welfare plans in livestock licensing
Choose products from farms in regions implementing climate adaptation strategies