Poultry Heat Stress Prevention in Commercial Farms

Heat stress is a major cause of poultry mortality and welfare harm globally, with climate change increasing the frequency and severity of heat events.

Key Facts

Poultry cannot sweat and rely entirely on panting for evaporative cooling, which becomes inadequate above 35 degrees Celsius
Broiler chickens are particularly heat-sensitive due to their large muscle mass and rapid growth rates
Tunnel ventilation systems can reduce heat stress mortality by over 90% compared to conventional cross-ventilation
Electrolyte supplementation during heat events helps maintain hydration and reduce mortality
Stocking density reduction during heat events is an important welfare measure that conflicts with economic incentives

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress in poultry causes suffering that ranges from mild discomfort in moderate heat to rapid death in severe heat events. The suffering of heat-stressed poultry - desperate panting, huddling, lethargy, and eventual organ failure - is severe. The solutions are well-understood: ventilation systems adequate for maximum summer temperatures, appropriate stocking densities, and early response to heat events. The welfare problem is that adequate heat management requires capital investment and willingness to reduce stocking density at the cost of productivity. Regulatory minimum standards for poultry thermal environments are essential welfare protections.

What You Can Do

Support farms with documented heat stress management systems and appropriate ventilation
Advocate for regulatory thermal environment standards in poultry farming
Support climate-controlled housing requirements in poultry welfare legislation
Reduce poultry consumption and choose certified higher-welfare products
Learn about heat stress welfare impacts and what good farm management looks like