Feedlot cattle in hot climates face serious welfare problems from heat stress, which causes reduced feed intake, respiratory distress, and increased mortality. Shade, water, and management interventions can mitigate impacts.
Feedlot cattle experiencing heat stress show reduced activity, increased water intake, and respiratory distress. In severe cases, heat stroke causes death. Shade provision is a highly cost-effective intervention that significantly reduces heat stress welfare impacts and simultaneously improves production performance.