Feedlot cattle in hot climates face significant heat stress welfare risks, with shade provision and water management being critical welfare interventions.
Heat stress is a major welfare concern in open feedlots, causing suffering ranging from moderate discomfort to life-threatening hyperthermia. Bunching around water troughs increases competition stress and injury risk. Cattle that cannot thermoregulate show clear distress signs and physiological markers of suffering. The provision of shade structures has been shown to significantly reduce heat stress indicators and improve production outcomes.