Farm Animal Welfare

Broiler Heat Stress and Mortality

Heat stress in broiler chickens causes acute welfare harm and mortality during warm periods, with ventilation management being the critical intervention.

Key Facts

Broilers are highly susceptible to heat stress due to rapid growth and lack of sweat glands
Thermal comfort range for broilers narrows at older ages and heavier weights
Heat stress causes panting, reduced feed intake, wing spreading and in severe cases death
Tunnel ventilation systems achieve cooling through high air velocity
Emergency cooling including misters and shade reduces acute heat stress mortality

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress is a significant seasonal welfare emergency in broiler production, particularly for fast-growing breeds in poorly ventilated houses. Mortality from heat stress represents acute welfare failure that is preventable through appropriate housing design and management protocols.

What You Can Do

Support broiler farms with documented heat stress management and ventilation standards
Advocate for broiler welfare standards that include summer housing requirements
Choose slower-growing certified broiler products that are less vulnerable to heat stress