Design for the worst credible day
Use local temperature, humidity, rainfall, flood, wind and outage history. Species and breeds differ, but no animal is immune to heat, dehydration or failed ventilation.
Layered controls
- Shade roofs and yards; orient for airflow and protect against driven rain.
- Provide peak-flow water and storage.
- Reduce stocking before extreme seasons where capacity is limited.
- Maintain fans, inlets, cooling, alarms and backup power.
- Adjust handling, transport and feeding times during heat.
Watch behaviour
Panting, crowding near water, wing spreading, reduced feeding, open-mouth breathing, drooling or collapse may indicate escalating heat stress. Emergency thresholds must be species- and system-specific.
Continuity plan
Define who responds, what equipment starts, when animals move and when emergency veterinary help is called.