Investigating the Effects of Environmental Stressors on Animal Health and Welfare: A Focus on Livestock in Intensive Farming Systems

Abstract

Intensive livestock farming systems are increasingly challenged by environmental stressors that compromise animal health, welfare, and productivity, particularly under the growing pressures of climate change and rising global demand for animal-derived food products. This study investigated the effects of key environmental stressors—including thermal load, humidity, air quality, stocking density, and management-related factors—on livestock health and welfare within intensive production systems. Using a mixed-methods experimental approach, quantitative physiological and productivity indicators were integrated with qualitative behavioral assessments and precision livestock farming data. The results demonstrate that elevated environmental stress levels were consistently associated with increased physiological stress responses, including higher cortisol concentrations, reduced feed intake, impaired productivity, and deteriorating composite welfare scores. Behavioral indicators revealed heightened discomfort and abnormal activities under unfavorable environmental conditions, while prolonged exposure led to increased morbidity and mortality risks. Advanced sensor-based monitoring and precision livestock technologies proved effective in detecting early stress signals, enabling real-time environmental and management interventions. Overall, the findings highlight that environmental stressors exert cumulative and interrelated impacts on livestock well-being, extending beyond immediate physiological strain to long-term welfare and productivity consequences. The study underscores the importance of integrating environmental management, welfare assessment frameworks, and digital monitoring technologies to develop climate-resilient, welfare-oriented intensive farming systems. Such integrated strategies are essential for balancing production efficiency with ethical responsibility, animal health protection, and sustainable livestock development in the face of ongoing climatic and socio-economic challenges.