Abstract
Canada's climate is warming faster than the global average, but the warming is unevenly distributed. This study analyzes historical and future climate change in dairy-producing regions across Canada to better understand how Canada's dairy cows are affected. Historical changes (i.e., 1960–2019) were assessed using temperature and humidity data from 29 weather stations across the country. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was used as an indicator of dairy cattle at risk of heat stress, and three THI metrics evaluated the frequency, severity, and duration of potential heat stress. Future scenarios were investigated using five global climate models to project daily THI under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs). Projections were grouped into three time periods (2020–2049, 2040–2069, and 2060–2089). Historical climate trends show an increase in temperature, humidity, and THI exceedance in most west coast and eastern Canada locations, affecting 84% of the national dairy herd. Future scenarios project that 90% of the national herd will experience a large increase in the frequency, severity, and duration of THI exceedance under all but the most optimistic SSP. These findings highlight the need for Canadian dairy farmers to consider heat-stress adaptation strategies.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
