Heat stress impacts and responses in livestock production

Abstract

The negative impacts of heat stress on livestock and associated industries are well documented. Rising temperatures associated with climate change intensify these impacts. This paper summaries various effects of heat stress on livestock including impacts on production, fertility, diet, disease and mortality. Where available the costs of heat stress are presented and reviewed. The potential of on-farm management interventions as well as breeding for reduced heat stress are discussed. Decisions on heat stress management need to be made on a case-by-case basis as they will be infl uenced by multiple factors including the value of the production unit, the sensitivity of production to heat stress..