Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Heat Stress in Climate Change

As global temperatures rise, heat stress in cattle is becoming a more frequent and severe welfare and production challenge, particularly in temperate regions previously unaffected.

Key Facts

Heat stress begins in dairy cattle at a temperature-humidity index above 68
Milk production declines by up to 20% and conception rates drop significantly during heat stress
Shade provision, sprinklers and ventilation are primary interventions for heat stress prevention
Dark-coloured cattle are more susceptible to solar heat loading than light-coloured breeds
Heat-tolerant breeds such as Senepol and Romosinuano are increasingly used in warming climates

Welfare Considerations

Climate change is transforming heat stress from a regional to a global cattle welfare challenge. Adaptation through breed selection, housing modification and management change is essential.

What You Can Do

Support research into heat-tolerant cattle breeds and adaptation strategies
Advocate for mandatory shade provision and sprinkler systems in cattle welfare certification
Choose beef and dairy from farms with documented heat stress prevention protocols