Heat stress in broiler production

The broiler industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, having developed dramatically to meet the growing global demand for animal protein. Climate change and global warming have increased average daily temperatures, leading to heat waves, especially during the summer months in tropical and subtropical regions. An increase in environmental temperature above the optimal conditions required by the chickens results in heat stress. Broilers are particularly susceptible to heat stress given their limited ability to dissipate heat, rapid body growth, and their feather insulation. Exposure to heat stress affects a plethora of body functions, impairing the health, productivity, and welfare of chickens, and thus accruing significant economic losses to poultry enterprises. This necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the predisposing factors, examination of the impacts, and development of efficient and sustainable ways to manage heat stress in broiler production.