Farm Animals

Farmed Poultry Heat Stress Welfare

Heat stress in poultry causes significant mortality and suffering during summer months, particularly in systems with inadequate ventilation.

Key Facts

Chickens lack sweat glands and rely entirely on panting for thermoregulation
Body temperature above 44C causes cellular damage and death within hours
Heat stress kills millions of commercial poultry annually during hot spells
Tunnel ventilation, evaporative cooling, and reduced stocking density reduce mortality

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in poultry causes acute suffering before death, including panting, prostration, and convulsions. Ventilation failures during heat waves can kill thousands of birds within hours. The predictability of summer heat makes adequate ventilation planning a welfare obligation.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented heat stress management plans
Advocate for ventilation standards in poultry welfare regulations
Back investment in heat mitigation technology in poultry buildings
Choose welfare-certified products from systems with documented heat management