Overview of heat stress in dairy and beef cattle, welfare impacts, and management approaches.
Cattle heat stress causes significant welfare harm through hyperthermia, altered behaviour, reduced feed intake, and compromised immune function. Dairy cows are particularly vulnerable due to metabolic heat load from milk production. Shade, water access, ventilation, and cooling systems are welfare interventions with strong evidence. Climate change is making heat stress management increasingly critical across dairy and beef cattle farming regions.