Broiler Chicken Heat Stress Welfare

Heat stress is a major welfare and production problem in broiler chickens, particularly as climate change increases extreme temperature events.

Key Facts

Broilers are highly susceptible to heat stress due to rapid growth and heavy feathering
Heat stress causes panting, reduced feed intake, lethargy and elevated mortality
Temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius significantly increase heat-related deaths
Emergency ventilation failures during heat events can kill entire flock buildings within hours
Modern fast-growing broiler breeds are more heat-susceptible than slower-growing alternatives

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in broilers involves both acute suffering during extreme events and chronic discomfort during warm periods. Panting is an indicator of thermal stress that disrupts normal foraging and resting behaviour. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of heat events, making heat management an escalating welfare priority. Shading, evaporative cooling, reduced stocking density and slower-growing breeds all improve outcomes. Emergency protocols for ventilation failures are essential but often inadequate.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards requiring emergency heat protocols in poultry facilities
Choose chicken from slower-growing breeds certified under higher-welfare schemes
Advocate for mandatory ventilation backup systems in commercial poultry barns
Support research into heat-tolerant breeds that maintain welfare in warmer climates