Poultry birds have a complex physiology that requires constant attention.
When the internal heat of birds becomes overheated, it makes it more likely that something will with the body hence it is important to learn how to reduce heat stress in poultry birds.
The best way to reduce heat stress in poultry birds is to monitor and manage temperatures in a controlled environment so as to reduce the possibility of overheating.This involves maintaining a stable temperature within a range of 55°F to 85°F (15°C to 30°C).
An elevated body temperature can lead to reduced feed intake, poor growth, increased mortality rates, reduced egg production in layers and other signs of illness.
Other measures include limiting outdoor access, keeping out young birds from direct sunlight, and using lid-top cages with electronic shutters.
What is Heat Stress in Poultry Birds?
Heat stress in poultry is a condition caused by high environmental temperatures, leading to an increase in the bird’s core body temperature. Heat Stress can also be precipitated by overcrowding of birds, wrong poultry housing structures and restriction of water from birds.
Heat stress in poultry is a condition that occurs when temperatures become too high for poultry to remain comfortable, resulting in physiological and behavioral changes.
It can cause decreased feed intake, decreased egg production, decreased egg quality, dehydration, and even death.
Heat stress can be prevented by providing adequate ventilation and cooling systems, heat-tolerant breeds, and shade.
Heat stress can have a negative impact on egg production, feed intake, body weight, and can lead to an increased risk of disease.
Why is Heat Stress in Poultry Important?
Heat stress in poultry is important because it can cause severe health and production issues that can affect the health and welfare of birds, as well as the quality and safety of eggs and meat products.
High temperatures can lead to reduced food intake and lower egg production, and can also cause feather loss and death.
Heat stress can also decrease the quality of eggs and meat products due to decreased nutrient absorption and increased bacterial growth.
It is important to take steps to reduce and prevent heat stress in poultry to ensure the health and welfare of the birds, as well as the quality and safety of eggs and meat products.
High temperatures can cause increased panting, increased metabolism leading to dehydration which can result in decreased egg production or even death.
Heat stress also increases the risk of disease and can reduce feed efficiency, resulting in lower growth rates. It can also lead to poor feathering, reduced eggshell quality, and reduced fertility, all of which can lead to lowered market value of the birds.
Management Guidelines to Reduce Heat Stress in Poultry Birds
1. Provide Adequate Ventilation
Ensure poultry houses are well-ventilated, and that the design of the ventilation system allows for maximum air exchange. Poultry house construction should not restrict effective flow of air in and out of the poultry house while obstructions in the way of proper air flow should be removed.
2. Provide Shade
Birds should have access to shade, either through natural means (e.g., trees, shrubs) or artificial means (e.g., shade cloth). These natural shades should however not impede adequate flow of air into the pen houses.
3. Reduce Secondary Stress Factors:
Stress factors such as overcrowding, excessive noise, and inadequate feed and water should be completely minimized. Pen houses should be stocked with the right amount of birds. Noise emanating from machineries such as feed milling or farm trucks should be reduced.
4. Provide Cool Water:
Water meant for birds should clean and cool as this is essential for proper body metabolism. The source of water for birds should not be exposed to excessive heat as this will be detrimental to the health of the birds.
5. Adjust Diet to High Energy Feeds:
The type of feed diet that can help to reduce heat stress in birds is one that contains a balanced combination of nutrients, electrolytes, and other additives.
Some key components of a heat stress-reducing/high energy feed diet for birds include:
- Electrolytes: Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride can help birds to maintain proper fluid balance and reduce the risk of dehydration.
Electrolyte supplements can be added to the bird’s drinking water or included in the feed.
- Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins such as vitamin C and E, as well as minerals like selenium and zinc, can help to support the bird’s immune system and reduce the negative effects of heat stress.
- Amino acids: Amino acids such as methionine and lysine can help to improve the bird’s metabolic functions and reduce the risk of heat stress-related health issues.
- Fat and energy levels: Reducing the level of fat in the feed diet and increasing the energy levels can help to prevent overheating and reduce the risk of heat stress.
6. Monitor Temperature and Humidity:
Monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the poultry house to ensure they are within acceptable levels. Journaling temperature figures in a poultry house is necessary for maintaining optimum temperature, identifying temperature fluctuations, monitor ventilations and recording data for future reference and projections.
7. Monitor Birds:
Monitor birds for signs that may be associated with heat stress, including decreased feed intake, increased panting, and reduced egg production.
8. Provide Supplemental Cooling:
This simply refers to the provision of an additional cooling system to an environment beyond what is provided by the natural or existing cooling system.
These include such as industrial ventilation fans, misting systems, cooling towers, chillers and cooling pads.
Supplemental cooling systems help to avoid sharp fluctuation in weather conditions which may be detrimental to the health of birds.
9. Reduce Overcrowding:
When birds are in close proximity to each other, the heat they generate can accumulate and create a microclimate that is hotter than the ambient temperature.
In addition, high stocking density can make it more difficult for air to circulate, reducing the effectiveness of natural ventilation and making it more difficult for the birds to cool themselves.
Furthermore, when birds are densely stocked, they may have limited access to water and feed, which can further exacerbate the effects of heat stress.
This is because water is important for evaporative cooling, and birds may reduce their water intake when they are experiencing heat stress.
Additionally, reduced feed intake can lead to reduced energy intake, which can reduce the bird’s ability to maintain its body temperature.
How to Journal Heat Stress in Poultry.
1. Monitor the temperature and humidity of the poultry house. Record the temperature and humidity of the environment at least twice daily and record as appropriate.
2. Monitor the health and behavior of the poultry. Note any changes in behavior, such as panting, reduced activity levels, or decreased egg production.
3. Monitor the number of deaths due to heat stress.
4. Track any changes and fluctuations in feed and water consumption.
5. Monitor the air quality of the poultry house. Note any changes in air quality, such as increased ammonia levels or decreased oxygen levels.
6. Monitor the ventilation system of the poultry house. Note any changes in the ventilation system, such as increased fan speeds or decreased air circulation.
7. Monitor the water quality of the poultry house. Note any changes in the water quality, such as increased chlorine levels or decreased pH levels.
8. Track any changes in the poultry’s environment. Note any changes in the environment, such as increased dust or decreased light levels.
9. Monitor any changes in the flock’s size or composition. Note any changes in the flock’s size or composition, such as increased mortality rates or changes in age distribution.
10. Track any changes in the flock’s management practices. Note any changes in the management practices, such as changes in the timing of the flock’s inspections or changes in the cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Conclusion
In Conclusion, managing heat stress in poultry is a critical step in providing a safe and healthy environment for birds. Proper housing, ventilation, and nutrition can all help reduce the risk of heat stress.
Additionally, providing shade and water, as well as monitoring the temperature, can help keep birds cool and comfortable during hot summer months.
Taking the necessary steps to reduce the risk of heat stress, poultry producers can help ensure their birds remain healthy and productive.
Let’s hear your opinion if you have ever experienced this phenomenon among your stock.
