What is heat stress?

• A. Stress from low temperatures
• B. Stress from high temperatures
• C. Water deprivation due to drought
• D. Physical injury from movement

Answer: (B)

Heat stress happens when animals are exposed to high environmental temperatures that exceed their body’s ability to cool down. When heat load is too great—especially with factors like humidity and limited air movement—the animal’s thermoregulation is overwhelmed. This causes physiological strain and can lead to reduced feed intake, slower growth, lower milk production, reproductive issues, and even heat-related illness. The key idea is that heat stress is about excessive heat exposure, not cold, dehydration from drought, or physical injury from movement. Keeping animals comfortable involves providing shade, good ventilation, cooling, and plenty of clean water to help them shed heat.