Heat Stress in Poultry: Welfare and Mortality Prevention

Heat stress causes millions of poultry deaths annually and significant suffering in survivors, requiring both management interventions and genetic selection changes.

Key Facts

Chickens regulate body temperature primarily through panting, as they lack sweat glands
Heat stress above 32C causes reduced feed intake, immunosuppression, skeletal problems, and death
Broiler chickens are more susceptible to heat stress due to their rapid growth and large muscle mass
Climate change is expanding the geographic range and seasonal duration of heat stress risk
Evaporative cooling, ventilation, and reduced stocking density are primary management interventions

Welfare Considerations

Acute heat stress causes suffering through hyperthermia, respiratory distress, and death. Chronic moderate heat stress causes immunosuppression and skeletal problems including the leg weakness already common in fast-growing broilers. Modern broiler genetics selected for fast growth have reduced heat tolerance as a trade-off. Addressing heat stress requires systemic changes including slower-growing genetics, improved housing, and lower stocking densities - not just emergency cooling measures applied in crisis conditions.

What You Can Do

Support welfare certifications that include heat stress management standards
Advocate for climate-appropriate housing standards in poultry regulations
Reduce chicken consumption during summer to reduce pressure on facilities in peak stress periods
Support research into heat-tolerant poultry breeds that maintain welfare under climate change
Ask retailers about heat stress mortality rates and welfare standards in their supply chains