The Poultry industry feeds billions of people globally by fulfilling their protein requirement. As temperature raising globally due to climate change, an imminent threat is emerging over the planet i.e. heat stress. The detrimental effect of raising temperature is evident on poultry health, productivity, and wealth. Heat stress disrupts the delicate balance in internal mechanisms of poultry. Understanding and tackling the situation is very crucial for poultry industry and birds welfare.
In a poultry the comfortable temperature for chicken lies between 18°C and 25°C. Exceeding this temperature creates heat stress in chickens. Heat stress arises in the poultry when chickens are unable to effectively manage their body temperature. As the temperature increases, this arises problems like lower intake of feed by chickens, weakening in immunity, reducing the growth, The egg production and egg quality also being affected by heat stress as egg produced have thinner shales and chick mortality also increase while in extreme cases it could result as fatal for chickens. Beyond the chicken health heat stress also significantly impacts for economic losses in poultry industry for poultry farmers. It declines the production which lowers overall output whereas increase in mortality means less income. The deterioration in egg and meat production and quality impacts market value. According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), heat stress costs nearly 30 billion annually to poultry industry.
To mitigate the risk of heat stress on poultry a multifaced approach can be used i.e. it includes management practices, environmental modification, and genetic selection. The management practices include adjusting the bird’s density, improving ventilation, and offering cooling opportunities by using sprinklers and misters. A study of 2017 by American Society of Agricultural Engineers on poultry science found that reflective roof materials on poultry houses reduces indoor temperature of poultry houses. The environmental modification focuses on making house structure better air circulating having effective cooling systems for reducing ambient temperature. The Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar reportedly working on development of heat resistant chicken breeds in India which showcase progress in genetic selection approach in mitigating heat stress in Poultry. Whereas nutrition also plays a crucial role, with adjustment in diet composition including energy content with supplementation with antioxidants aiding in managing the effect of heat stress. Phyto molecules such as cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and silibinin had shown efficiency in reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of poultry production under heat stress.
Conclusion
Heat stress is becoming a serious challenge to the poultry industry which impacting the bird health, production, and economic feasibility. Implementing a combination of solutions such as management practices, environmental modification, genetic selection, and adjustment in diet nutrition will help in arresting the repercussions of heat stress on industry. As we are looking to feed large growing populations fostering adaptability in face of climate change is essential, not only for poultry but also for entire food system.
