{"id":10797,"date":"2026-06-18T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-18T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jodoco.com\/?p=10797"},"modified":"2026-05-18T14:44:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T14:44:09","slug":"what-is-the-temperature-threshold-at-which-heat-stress-in-livestock-occurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jodoco.com\/en\/what-is-the-temperature-threshold-at-which-heat-stress-in-livestock-occurs\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the temperature threshold at which heat stress occurs in livestock?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Heat stress in livestock occurs when ambient temperature and humidity together rise so high that an animal can no longer properly regulate its body temperature. For dairy cows, that threshold is reached at a THI value of 68, which corresponds to approximately 22\u00b0C at a relative humidity of 50%. Pigs and poultry are even more sensitive. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about heat stress in livestock: from the determining factors and the THI index to concrete symptoms and preventive measures.<\/p>\n

What factors determine whether livestock experience heat stress?<\/h2>\n

Whether an animal experiences heat stress depends not only on temperature, but on a combination of environmental and animal-related factors. The two most important environmental factors are temperature and humidity. Air movement, radiation, barn design, and stocking density also play a role. At the animal level, production level, body weight, coat or plumage, and genetic predisposition all contribute.<\/p>\n

High-producing animals, such as dairy cows at peak lactation, generate a great deal of internal heat through their intensive metabolism. They reach a critical body temperature more quickly than low-producing animals. Heavy beef cattle and animals with a dense coat are also more vulnerable. In summary, the following factors together determine whether heat stress occurs:<\/p>\n