Reducing heat stress in broilers
Heat stress, which happens when the ambient temperature exceeds the broiler’s thermal comfort zones, negatively affects the animal’s well-being and production. Heat stress results from a negative balance between the net amount of energy flowing from the animal to its environment and the amount of heat energy produced by the animal.
How to recognise
Clinical signs of heat stress include a drop in production parameters (ADFI, ADG, FCR) combined with (extended) periods of elevated ambient temperatures and high humidity, which worsen the condition.
The impact on the farmer
Heat stress reduces the well-being and production capacity of broilers, leading to decreased income for the farmer.