Farm Animals

Heat Stress in Poultry: A Growing Welfare Crisis

Rising global temperatures are intensifying heat stress in poultry, with serious consequences for welfare and mortality in commercial flocks.

Key Facts

Broilers have a thermoneutral zone of 18-22 degrees Celsius
Heat stress causes panting, reduced activity, and increased mortality
Climate change is pushing temperatures beyond what poultry facilities can manage
Slow-growing breeds are more heat-tolerant than fast-growing commercial breeds
Evaporative cooling systems and improved ventilation significantly reduce heat stress

Welfare Considerations

Poultry cannot sweat and dissipate heat through panting, which itself requires energy and can cause respiratory alkalosis. During heat waves, mortality in large commercial flocks can reach thousands of birds per day. The problem is compounded by fast-growing breeds with higher metabolic heat production. Providing shade, adequate ventilation, cool water access, and reduced stocking density during hot weather can meaningfully reduce suffering.

What You Can Do

Support the use of slower-growing breed standards in poultry production
Advocate for mandatory emergency heat stress protocols in poultry regulations
Choose poultry products from farms with demonstrated ventilation and cooling infrastructure
Support research into heat-tolerant breeds that maintain welfare under climate change