Livestock

Poultry Welfare and Heat Stress Management

Heat stress in poultry is an increasing welfare challenge as summer temperatures rise, causing significant suffering, production losses and mortality in both broiler and laying hen systems.

Key Facts

Chickens cannot sweat and rely entirely on panting and behavioural cooling to manage heat
Core body temperature above 41C in chickens causes cellular damage and heat stroke
Mortality events during heat waves have killed millions of chickens in US and European facilities
Sprinklers, ventilation improvements and reduced stocking density all reduce heat stress welfare impacts

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in poultry causes acute suffering before death and chronic welfare compromise in non-lethal exposures. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat stress events in temperate climates where housing was designed for cooler conditions. Retrofitting housing with cooling systems is a welfare investment that will become increasingly necessary.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring minimum ventilation and cooling standards in poultry housing
Choose poultry products from producers with demonstrated heat stress management systems
Advocate for planning requirements ensuring adequate cooling in new poultry building applications
Support research into cost-effective cooling solutions for existing poultry housing infrastructure