Heat stress in poultry production
Did you know that hot, humid weather has large negative implications for poultry production? A bird's response to rising temperatures can lead to significant performance losses due to lower feed intake and reduced feed efficiency which in turn leads to reduced body weight gain and egg production.
Heat stress is an important environmental issue for the poultry industry. In the US, heat stress costs the industry more than $100 million per year1. As you might expect, the impact on less integrated poultry production in (sub)tropical areas is significantly higher.
Heat stress in poultry production as performance brake
The condition of heat stress occurs when animals are not able to reduce their core body temperature due to high ambient temperature in combination with high humidity. The effect of heat stress can result in a range of unfavorable consequences, from discomfort to increased mortality. Heat stressed animals change their behavior and their physiology adapts in an attempt to regulate body temperature, reduce heat production and dissipate heat. Commercial broilers are particularly susceptible to hot and humid weather conditions, as their metabolic heat production is relatively high.
Reduced feed intake is one of the first noticeable consequences of heat stress in poultry production. Increased water consumption is another response to heat stress. Housing poultry at high ambient temperatures, especially in combination with high humidity not only impairs production performance but could also impair intestinal integrity and the bird's natural defense mechanisms.
Did you know?
The energy, protein and nutrients necessary for production are lacking due to decreased feed intake during heat stress conditions.
Support is needed
High ambient temperatures and humidity can lead to oxidative stress in poultry due to an increase of free radical production. Without support for the birdâs natural anti-oxidative defense mechanisms, the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants can be quickly disturbed. Plant-derived antioxidants can help to maintain this balance and support the production of the endogenous anti-oxidative capacity of the bird.
The goal is to provide poultry with the necessary energy and supporting nutrients, to maintain a normally functioning natural defense system and stable intestinal function in hot and humid climates.
Interested in other Challenges & Solutions?
Biostrong⢠Comfort â phytogenic comfort in uncomfortable conditions
- Maintains growth performance and feed conversion ratio in hot and humid climates
- Promotes feed intake and supports resilience of poultry to mitigate the specific effects of heat stress
The phytogenic feed additive Biostrong⢠Comfort was specially developed to support poultry even at higher temperatures and humidity levels. The special formulation of flavonoids, essential oils, and other phytogenic active ingredients in BiostrongŽ Comfort support feed intake and specific nutrient supply for better performance.
Nature that works â proven scientifically
Supplementing Biostrong⢠Comfort contributes to improvements in body weight gain and feed conversion during heat stress conditions.
1 Tellez Jr, Guillermo & Tellez, Guillermo & Dridi, Sami. 2017. Heat Stress and Gut Health in Broilers: Role of Tight Junction Proteins. Adv Food Technol Nutr Sci Open J. 3(1): e1-e4.
*Average data of 3 trials with Biostrong⢠Comfort in broilers under cyclic heat stress conditions, P107, P110, P121.
The study results shown are not intended to represent or guarantee the same or similar results.
Some products are only approved for use in certain geographies, end uses, and/or at certain usage levels. It is the customer's responsibility to determine, for a particular geography, that (i) the product, its use and usage levels; (ii) the customer's product and its use; and (iii) any claims made about the customer's product, all comply with applicable laws and regulations. *Any references to ânatural/naturallyâ are as defined by www.aafco.org. Any references to âfeed additive(s)â are as per the laws and regulations in the United States. For product registration information, please refer to the product data sheets.
Get in contact
Megan Koppen
RTM Poultry, Sales Group North America
Phone:
+1 (630) 731-0250
e-mail:
Megan_Koppen@cargill.com