Farm Animals

Cattle Heat Stress Management in Dairy Systems

Heat stress causes reduced milk production, fertility and welfare in dairy cows, requiring active management through shade, cooling and nutrition.

Key Facts

Dairy cows experience heat stress when temperature-humidity index exceeds 68
Heat stress reduces feed intake, milk production and reproductive efficiency
Evaporative cooling systems and fans can reduce heat stress in housed cattle
Shade provision outdoors is essential for cows at pasture during hot weather
Climate change is extending and intensifying heat stress risk in temperate dairying regions

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes measurable physiological suffering in dairy cows and is increasing in severity with climate change. Active cooling investment is both an ethical obligation and economic necessity.

What You Can Do

Support farms investing in cooling infrastructure for dairy cattle
Advocate for heat stress management requirements in dairy welfare standards
Choose dairy products from farms with evidence-based welfare programmes