Heat stress is among the most economically significant and welfare-relevant challenges facing livestock production globally, and is worsening with climate change.
Heat stress in livestock is measurable, preventable, and causes significant welfare harm. Animals in heat stress show elevated respiration rates, reduced activity, huddling for shade, and in severe cases, death. The welfare problem is compounded in intensive systems where animal density generates additional heat and ventilation is inadequate. Climate change is already extending heat stress seasons in many production regions, making this an increasingly urgent welfare and productivity concern.