Heat stress in poultry houses is a major and growing welfare concern as climate change increases temperature extremes. Practical mitigation strategies protect bird welfare.
Poultry heat stress is a welfare emergency that causes acute suffering and mass mortality. The fast-growing genetics used in commercial broiler production make birds particularly heat-sensitive — their high metabolic rate generates additional body heat. Effective mitigation requires a combination of adequate ventilation capacity, evaporative cooling in hot climates, shade for outdoor access where provided, and management adjustments like reduced feeding during peak heat. Climate change is making heat stress events more frequent and severe, making investment in ventilation and cooling infrastructure an urgent welfare priority for the poultry industry.