Livestock

Heat Stress in Poultry: Prevention and Management

Heat stress is a major welfare and productivity problem in commercial poultry production, causing suffering and millions of deaths each year, especially as climate change intensifies.

Key Facts

Broiler chickens are particularly vulnerable due to their high metabolic rate
Heat stress begins at temperatures above 25degC in chickens
Mortality during heatwaves can reach 50% or more in affected flocks
Heat stress suppresses immune function, increasing disease susceptibility
Climate change is expected to significantly increase heat stress risk in broiler production

Welfare Considerations

Chickens experiencing heat stress show panting, reduced feed intake, lethargy, and wing spreading. Chronic heat stress causes intestinal damage, immunosuppression, and metabolic disturbance. In severe cases, birds die from heat stroke. Modern high-yielding broiler breeds are especially susceptible because their fast growth generates significant metabolic heat. Intensive indoor housing without adequate ventilation dramatically increases heat stress risk.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that require adequate ventilation and cooling systems
Choose slow-growing broiler breed products where available
Advocate for climate adaptation requirements in poultry welfare standards
Donate to research on heat-tolerant breeds and improved housing
Support farmers transitioning to better ventilated, lower-density housing systems