Heat stress causes significant suffering in dairy and beef cattle - shade, water, ventilation, and breeding choices mitigate welfare impacts as temperatures rise.
Heat stress welfare impact is significant and growing as climate change raises summer temperatures. Cattle showing elevated respiration rates, reduced activity, bunching, and decreased feeding are experiencing thermal discomfort that affects their health and productivity. Shade provision, mechanical ventilation, cooling systems, and high water availability are proven welfare interventions. Genetic selection for heat tolerance enables longer-term adaptation. Producers in warming regions who invest now in heat stress mitigation protect both welfare and economic viability.