Farmed Animals

Chicken Heat Stress in Climate Change

Commercial broiler chickens are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress as climate change intensifies summer temperatures in key production regions.

Key Facts

Broilers begin showing heat stress above 25°C, well within normal summer temperatures
Heat stress mortality in poultry sheds can reach 1% per hour during extreme events
Fast-growing breeds are more heat-sensitive due to higher metabolic heat production
Evaporative cooling and tunnel ventilation can reduce mortality but require capital investment

Welfare Considerations

Fast-growing broiler breeds generate substantial metabolic heat and have limited capacity to thermoregulate. As global temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heat stress events will increase. The welfare risk falls on animals with no capacity to seek cool environments in confined sheds. Adaptation requires both engineering solutions and breed selection changes.

What You Can Do

Support farms demonstrating heat stress mitigation measures including ventilation and cooling
Advocate for climate adaptation requirements in poultry farming regulations
Support slower-growing breeds that are less metabolically heat-sensitive
Contribute to campaigns for climate policy that addresses both emissions and agricultural adaptation