Farmed Animals

Dairy Cow Heat Stress Abatement

Rising global temperatures intensify heat stress in dairy cattle, threatening both welfare and production.

Key Facts

Cows experience heat stress above 22-25 degrees Celsius depending on humidity
Heat stress reduces feed intake, milk yield, and reproductive success
Severe heat stress causes panting, drooling, and can be fatal
Cooling systems including fans, sprinklers, and shade reduce stress significantly
Climate change is expected to worsen heat stress for cows globally

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress is a serious welfare issue that causes both physical suffering and impaired immune function. Effective heat abatement through shade, ventilation, and active cooling is essential for maintaining dairy cow welfare in warming climates.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented heat abatement systems
Advocate for mandatory cooling requirements in welfare standards
Reduce dairy consumption to decrease total numbers of heat-stressed cattle
Encourage research into heat-tolerant dairy breeds