Farm Animals

Poultry Heat Stress Management: Climate Adaptation

Heat stress is an increasing challenge for poultry welfare as global temperatures rise, requiring both immediate management and long-term system adaptation.

Key Facts

Broilers and laying hens begin to experience heat stress at approximately 25-27C
Heat stress causes reduced feed intake, increased water consumption, panting, and elevated mortality
Evaporative cooling systems can maintain house temperatures 5-10C below ambient in well-designed buildings
Genetic selection for heat tolerance is an active area of commercial poultry breeding research

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress causes real suffering for poultry, with severe heat events causing mass mortality on poorly equipped farms. Climate adaptation planning for poultry production must include cooling infrastructure, ventilation standards, and potentially building orientation as climate change intensifies heat stress risks.

What You Can Do

Support poultry producers investing in heat stress mitigation infrastructure
Advocate for heat stress management standards to be included in poultry welfare regulations
Engage with research into heat-tolerant genetics for poultry welfare under climate change