Rising global temperatures present significant challenges for poultry producers worldwide. When birds experience prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures, their health and productivity suffer considerably. This condition becomes particularly concerning when temperatures climb beyond 25-30°C, especially under humid conditions. Birds struggle to regulate their internal body temperature, leading to decreased performance and increased mortality. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach combining proper housing, nutrition, and supportive supplements.

The Physiology of Heat Stress

Birds maintain constant body temperatures through various cooling mechanisms. Unlike mammals, poultry lack sweat glands and rely primarily on respiratory evaporation and behavioural adaptations to dissipate heat. When environmental temperatures exceed their cooling capacity, birds experience thermal distress. Observable signs include accelerated respiration, reduced activity, drooping wings, and changes in comb colouration. Without intervention, these symptoms can cause severe dehydration, metabolic imbalances, and potentially fatal outcomes, with mortality reaching 10-20% in extreme cases.

Impact on Meat Birds

Broiler chickens face heightened vulnerability due to their rapid growth rates and dense plumage. Thermal stress can diminish feed consumption by 20-30%, directly
compromising weight gain and feed conversion efficiency (FCR). Birds redirect metabolic energy from muscle development to temperature regulation, resulting in inferior carcass quality characterised by reduced breast meat yield and increased moisture loss. Research indicates that each degree rise above 24°C correlates with 1-2%
decline in performance. Effective management includes reducing bird density to 8-10 per square meter, maintaining continuous air circulation, and implementing evaporative cooling systems. Adjusting feeding schedules to cooler periods and supplementing with electrolyte solutions helps to maintain adequate nutrient intake.

Effects on Egg-Laying Birds

Layer hens experience heat-related challenges through disrupted reproductive physiology. Elevated temperatures interfere with hormone production, reducing follicle maturation and causing 15-25% drops in egg production. Shell quality deteriorates as calcium metabolism becomes impaired, producing thinner, more porous shells prone to breakage and bacterial penetration. Additionally, immune function weakens, increasing disease susceptibility and shortening productive life. Recommended interventions include adequate shade provision, humidity control through misting (maintaining
levels below 70%), and constant access to cool water (18-20°C). Dietary modifications such as moderate protein reduction (16-18%) minimise metabolic heat production, while antioxidant vitamins support cellular defense mechanisms.

Challenges for Breeding Flocks

Breeder birds face compounded difficulties as they supply future generations. Heat exposure compromises male sperm production and female egg development, reducing fertility rates by 10-20% and hatchability by 5-15%. Semen quality declines while embryonic mortality increases due to inadequate egg protein formation. These birds, typically older and heavier, generate additional metabolic heat, intensifying their vulnerability. Specialised management includes dedicated cooling areas for males, modified lighting programs to extend feeding opportunities during cooler hours, and selection of heat-resistant genetic lines. Careful monitoring of body condition and incubation parameters ensures continued breeding success.

Comprehensive Management Framework

Successful heat stress mitigation requires integrated strategies:

Environmental Control

• Install efficient ventilation systems and evaporative cooling
• Apply reflective roofing materials
• Prevent overcrowding
• Results: 5-10°C temperature reduction and improved air quality

Water Management

• Provide 2-3 times normal water availability
• Use efficient drinking systems
• Maintain optimal water pH
• Results: Prevents dehydration and enhances nutrient uptake

Nutritional Adjustments

• Offer easily digestible feed forms
• Include osmotic balance compounds
• Results: Reduces heat production and supports electrolyte equilibrium

Monitoring Protocols

• Implement thermal imaging technology
• Track behavioural indicators
• Maintain preventive health programs
• Results: Early problem detection and loss prevention Combined implementation can recover 70-80% of heat-related performance losses.

Nutritional Support Solutions

While environmental modifications provide an essential foundation, targeted nutritional interventions address the underlying physiological disruptions caused by heat stress. Advanced anti-stress formulation can be specifically designed to protect birds during high- temperature challenges.
• Fluid and Mineral Balance: Replenishes critical electrolytes lost through panting and respiratory cooling, preventing dehydration and digestive upset—particularly important for fastgrowing broiler birds.
• Appetite and Immune Support: Helps restore feed intake and strengthens immune response, crucial for sustaining egg production, shell quality, and reproductive efficiency.
• Metabolic pH Regulation: Corrects respiration-induced alkalosis, stabilising acidbase balance for optimal nutrient utilisation across broiler, layer, and breeder flocks.

Conclusion

Thermal stress need not devastate poultry operations. By combining environmental vigilance with targeted nutritional support, poultry farmers can safeguard meat yield, egg production, fertility, and hatchability even under extreme climatic conditions. As climate variability intensifies, adopting integrated heat stress management strategies is no longer optional but essential for long-term sustainability and profitability. Consultation with nutrition and poultry health experts helps tailor solutions to specific farm conditions, ensuring flock welfare and consistent productivity throughout challenging summer months.