ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2024 37 “Appropriate methods to address the challenges of heat stress can be highly variable and are dependent upon the production environment at hand. Effectively identifying and preventing heat stress in poultry is critical to protecting the wellbeing of flocks and ensuring optimal poultry yield.” The effects of heat stress caused by high temperatures is a concern for poultry producers globally and is the cause of significant economic losses for the industry. The U.S. livestock production industry suffers an annual loss of $1.69 to $2.36 billion because of high environmental temperature, with the poultry industry tracking an estimated annual loss between $128 and $165 million.1 Modern poultry are particularly susceptible to heat and humidity, largely because they lack effective mechanisms to regulate body temperature.2 Appropriate methods to address the challenges of heat stress can be highly variable and are dependent upon the production environment at hand. Effectively identifying and preventing heat stress in poultry is critical to protecting the well-being of flocks and ensuring optimal poultry yield. SYMPTOMS AND EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY Heat stress presents itself in poultry in several ways, including increased water consumption, reduced feed intake and decreased physical activity. Birds suffering from heat stress also exhibit some behavioral signs, such as spreading their wings to cool their bodies, squatting low to the ground and resting frequently.3 Heat stress impacts the bird’s metabolic processes, which leads to decreased nutrient absorption, compromising growth and performance. Under heat stress conditions, birds prioritize dissipating heat over eating which leads to reduced feed intake and associated reduction in daily nutrient intake. While lower feed intake and calorie absorption minimize heat produced by poultry’s rapid metabolic processes, it ultimately impairs the digestibility of nutrients and overall digestive function.4 These factors can compromise growth and weaken the immune system, making birds susceptible to enteric diseases. If not effectively managed, heat stress in poultry can lead to more severe consequences. Possible outcomes of unmitigated heat stress include hypoperfusion, respiratory distress, and organ failure. Birds with existing respiratory and cardiovascular problems are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of heat stress. More importantly, the proSTRATEGIES TO COMBAT THE IMPACT OF HEAT STRESS Dr. Alastair Thomas Senior Director Technical Services Elanco
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