Broiler and layer chickens are highly susceptible to heat stress — and climate change is increasing the frequency of dangerous temperature events in poultry sheds globally.
Acute heat stress causes physiological distress measurable through core body temperature and behavioural changes. Extreme heat events can cause mass mortality within hours. Chronic mild heat stress reduces immunity, increases disease susceptibility, and impairs welfare over entire growing cycles. Poultry are one of the most climate-vulnerable farm animal populations globally.