Impact of Heat Stress on Poultry Production

Abstract

Simple SummaryDue to the common occurrence of environmental stressors worldwide, many studies have investigated the detrimental effects of heat stress on poultry production. It has been shown that heat stress negatively affects the welfare and productivity of broilers and laying hens. However, further research is still needed to improve the knowledge of basic mechanisms associated to the negative effects of heat stress in poultry, as well as to develop effective interventions.AbstractUnderstanding and controlling environmental conditions is crucial to successful poultry production and welfare. Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stressors challenging poultry production worldwide. The detrimental effects of heat stress on broilers and laying hens range from reduced growth and egg production to decreased poultry and egg quality and safety. Moreover, the negative impact of heat stress on poultry welfare has recently attracted increasing public awareness and concern. Much information has been published on the effects of heat stress on productivity and immune response in poultry. However, our knowledge of basic mechanisms associated to the reported effects, as well as related to poultry behavior and welfare under heat stress conditions is in fact scarce. Intervention strategies to deal with heat stress conditions have been the focus of many published studies. Nevertheless, effectiveness of most of the interventions has been variable or inconsistent. This review focuses on the scientific evidence available on the importance and impact of heat stress in poultry production, with emphasis on broilers and laying hens.

Technical Feasibility of the Acclimatization System in Aviary of Posture: A Case Study

“…The negative effects of thermal stress on laying hens vary from reduced growth to decreased production and egg quality. In addition, the negative impact of heat stress on hen welfare has recently attracted increasing population awareness (Lara & Rostagno, 2013).…”

“…There is greater heat generation in the environment which needs to be removed from the aviary, since the stress generated by high temperatures in poultry can lead to a decrease in food intake and physical activities, as well as losses in production, such as a decrease in the number of produced eggs, worsens egg size and quality, and birds mortality (Renaudeau et al, 2012;Lara & Rostagno, 2013;Mack et al, 2013;Silva et al, 2013, Abdelqader & Al-Fataftah, 2014). …”

Thermal environment in two broiler barns during the first three weeks of age

“…In conditions of heat stress, broilers present symptoms such as panting, wings spreading, reduced feed intake, loss of body weight associated with reduced weight gain rate, etc. (Lara & Rostagno, 2013).…”

Dynamics of Salmonella Shedding and Welfare of Hens in Free-Range Egg Production Systems

“…To maintain body temperature, birds maintain homeostasis through behavioral and physiological changes. High environmental stressors affect the neuroendocrine system of poultry, ultimately increasing plasma corticosterone levels (12). Hence, the current study investigated the effect of environmental stressors (i.e., weather changes) on Salmonella shedding in free-range production systems and the correlations with behavioral (i.e., panting and ranging activity) and physiological measures (i.e., fecal glucocorticoid metabolites).…”