ISSUE FOCUS 20 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2023 BRAVING THE HEAT: WHAT POULTRY NEED TO COPE WITH HEAT STRESS Heat stress is a common problem for layers and broilers, because they are unable to regulate their body temperature effectively in hot environments. One way to support poultry during heat stress is to provide them with access to cool, fresh water. This is also the best means to administer supplements that will give extra support to the animals. Dr Bernhard Eckel Vice President Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition Anne Möddel Senior Technical Sales Manager Dr. Eckel Animal Nutrition When temperatures inside and outside the barn are rising, often enough tempers are going up, too. Heat is a general stressor for poultry and other birds, especially when high temperatures and high humidity come together. Reduced feed intake, dehydration and heat stroke are only a few of the health issues related to heat stress, often resulting in lower production, poorer quality and a higher number of deaths. Feed additives can do a lot to support the animals and ease the stress. But one very common result of heat stress is loss of appetite – the birds refuse to feed. The easiest way, therefore, is to get animals’ stress level down fast and reliably by supplying stress relief via the drinking water. WHY IS HEAT STRESS SO DAMAGING? Heat stress occurs when the animals’ body cannot regulate its temperature anymore to prevent overheating. It is a problem that very often occurs in high-performing livestock and has gained severity with the ongoing climate change. When an animal’s body overheats, it tries to cool down, for instance by way of sweating. Birds like poultry do not possess the same ability to sweat as mammals do, they mainly regulate their body temperature through panting. But if the outside air is already hot, this is barely effective, and they still lose significant amounts of water through rapid respiration. This can easily lead to dehydration and an imbalance in vital electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.
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