Strategies to Minimize Heat Stress in Broiler and Layer Chickens

Abstract

Heat stress is one of the most important thermal environmental factors challenging broiler and layer production throughout world. Negative effects of heat stress on broilers and layer production range from reduced growth and egg production to reduced egg quality. Heat stress is more in chickens with high production performance and more feed conversion efficiency. Prolonged exposure to hot weather will lead to imbalance of acid-base equilibrium in body, decreases blood supply to visceral organs, water imbalance and immune suppression in birds. Use of balanced nutrition reduces the negative effects of heat stress by maintaining feed intake, electrolytic and water balance. Supplementation of micronutrients such as vitamins and essential minerals is necessary to fulfill the special needs during heat stress. Increase in birds' thermotolerance by early heat conditioning or feed restriction seems to be one of the most important management methods in enhancing heat resistance of layer and broiler chickens.

Keywords: Heat stress, broiler, layer, production

Cite this Article

Manoj Kumar, D.S. Dalal, Poonam Ratwan et al. Strategies to Minimize Heat Stress in Broiler and Layer Chickens. Research and Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2017; 6(2):   26–30p.