# The Welfare Impact of Heat Stress in South American Beef Cattle and the Cost-Effectiveness of Shade Provision

## TL;DR

This study quantifies heat stress's impact on beef cattle welfare in South America and shows that providing shade is a cost-effective solution to reduce discomfort and improve productivity.

## Contribution

The first quantification of heat stress's welfare impact on beef cattle using cumulative time in thermal discomfort, and the evaluation of shade as a cost-effective intervention.

## Key findings

- Cattle in 65% of locations experience 280–2800 h annually in moderate to intense thermal discomfort.
- Shade structures reduce severe thermal discomfort by 85% and pay back in 16 months with US$12–16 net returns per animal.
- Heat stress is among the most significant welfare challenges in tropical and subtropical beef production.

## Abstract

Heat stress is known to severely affect cattle welfare and productivity in tropical regions. This study provides the first quantification of the welfare impact of heat stress in beef cattle, measured as cumulative time spent in thermal discomfort of different intensities. Analyzing climate data from 636 locations across five South American countries (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay), we combined measures of daily environmental heat stress intensity (Comprehensive Climate Index, CCI) with chronic heat exposure (annual CCI excesses) to quantify welfare impacts. Across 65% of locations classified as high thermal risk or above, cattle were estimated to experience between 280 and 2800 h annually in moderate to intense thermal discomfort—a magnitude that places heat stress among the most significant welfare challenges in animal production. Shade structures were estimated to reduce time in intense thermal discomfort by 85% on average (from an average of 578 to 83 h annually), with payback within 16 months and net returns of US$12–16 per animal. By quantifying welfare impacts as cumulative time in thermal discomfort, shade provision emerges as one of the most effective welfare interventions available for beef cattle.

Heat stress represents a pervasive welfare challenge for beef cattle and other species in tropical and subtropical regions. While its physiological and production impacts are well-documented, quantitative measures of the welfare impact of heat stress remain absent. This study provides the first quantification of the welfare impact of heat stress in beef cattle (mostly Nelore), estimated as cumulative time in thermal discomfort of four intensities (Annoying, Hurtful, Disabling, Excruciating) using the Welfare Footprint Framework. We analyzed climate data from 636 locations over five years across major beef production areas in Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Daily heat stress episodes and chronic heat stress exposure were assessed, respectively, using Comprehensive Climate Index (CCI) levels and the Annual Thermal Load metric, which sums daily excesses above a threshold of thermal comfort (CCI = 30 °C) throughout the year, classifying locations into five risk categories. Welfare impacts were estimated for thirteen heat stress scenarios modeled by considering each CCI level within each thermal risk category. Beef cattle in moderate-risk regions were estimated to experience primarily mild thermal discomfort for an average of 5 h daily. This duration increased to an average of 7 h daily in high-risk areas, of which 4.5 h in moderate to intense thermal discomfort (Hurtful or higher). Very high-risk regions reached 10 h of daily thermal discomfort, while extreme-risk regions showed beef cattle facing heat stress for over 11 h on 307 days annually, including over 3 h per day under severe thermoregulatory effort. Overall, 65% of animals were in regions of high thermal risk or above, experiencing between 280 and 2800 h annually in moderate to intense thermal discomfort—a magnitude that places heat stress among the most significant welfare challenges in animal production. Shade provision reduced time in severe discomfort of Disabling intensity by 85% (from 578 to 83 h annually), with economic returns of US$12–16 per animal and payback periods of approximately 16 months. By quantifying welfare impacts as cumulative time in thermal discomfort, shade provision emerges as one of the most effective welfare interventions available for beef cattle, and likely other grazing ruminants, in tropical and subtropical regions.