ISSUE FOCUS 58 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 Heat stress in poultry production is a common reality; its effects are quite complex and harmful and depend on the intensity and duration of the exposure to high temperatures. The gut is affected by heat stress through several pathways, including organ ischemia and hypoxia, as well as oxidative stress. In heat stress challenges, the intestinal barrier is compromised because of lower tight junction protein expression, enterocyte damage, and microbiome unbalance, leading to gut health issues such as dysbiosis and necrotic enteritis. MANAGING HEAT STRESS IN POULTRY: The Role of Oxidative Stress and Gut Health Stress in animals can be defined as any factor causing disruptions to their homeostasis, their stable internal balance. Stress engenders a biological response to regain equilibrium.1 We can distinguish four major types of stress in the poultry industry: Technological or management-related stress; environmental stress; nutritional stress, including due to heavy metals, mycotoxins, and low-quality ingredients; and internal stress, which is related to health status and health challenges.2 All types of stress lead to molecular and cellular changes that decrease health and productivity. CLIMATE CHANGE, THERMOREGULATION, AND STRESS High environmental temperatures are among the most important environmental stressors for poultry production, causing significant economic losses in the industry.3 Climate change has increased the prevalence and intensity of heat stress conditions in most poultry production areas all over the world.4, 5 The optimum temperature for poultry animals’ well-being and performance – the so-called thermoBy the Technical Team of EW Nutrition Photo: ew | nutrition
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