Rising summer temperatures are increasing heat stress in dairy cattle worldwide, causing significant production losses and animal welfare impacts without adequate abatement.
Heat stress is a significant and growing welfare challenge for dairy cattle as climate change increases peak summer temperatures. Cattle experiencing heat stress show reduced feed intake, impaired fertility, immune suppression, and chronic physiological strain. Without shade, sprinklers, or ventilation, confined dairy cattle have limited ability to thermoregulate. The welfare impact is compounded by high genetic milk yields that generate substantial metabolic heat, making modern dairy cows particularly vulnerable.