Sheep have limited thermoregulatory capacity and are vulnerable to heat stress in summer, particularly in highly fleeced or freshly shorn animals.
Sheep experiencing heat stress show panting, reduced activity, and standing in shade or water. Shade and cool, fresh water are the primary welfare interventions. Pregnant ewes in late gestation are particularly heat-sensitive, with heat stress impairing fetal development and increasing stillbirth risk. Long, thick fleeces in unshorn sheep increase heat burden. Welfare-conscious summer management provides adequate shade through trees or artificial shelter structures, ensures water availability throughout the day, and considers shearing timing to manage fleece length during peak summer temperatures.