Extreme heatwaves may cause global decline in dairy production, scientists warn

The study assessed 130,000 cows over a period of 12 years, and found that extreme heat reduced dairy cows’ ability to produce milk by 10%. Photograph: Bill Holden/Getty Images/Image Source

Dairy production will be threatened by the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, a study has found.

Drawing on records from more than 130,000 cows over a period of 12 years, the researchers report that extreme heat reduces dairy cows’ ability to produce milk by 10%.