POULTRY MANAGEMENT
Heat Stress in Broilers:
Signs, Risks and Management
Heat stress can quickly reduce feed intake, growth and overall flock performance. Early recognition and good farm management are essential during periods of high temperature and humidity.
Common signs
Birds may pant, spread their wings, reduce feed intake, drink more water and gather around cooler areas. These signs should be interpreted together with house temperature, humidity and airflow.
Why performance drops
During heat stress, birds divert energy toward maintaining body temperature. This can influence feed consumption, electrolyte balance and growth performance.
Temperature alone does not tell the full story. Humidity, stocking density, ventilation and water availability all influence heat-load risk.
Management approach
Focus first on ventilation, clean cool drinking water, stocking density, feeding times and rapid identification of birds showing severe stress.
Nutrition and hydration
Electrolyte and nutritional strategies may support hydration and recovery, but they should complement—not replace—environmental management and professional veterinary advice.
This article is educational and does not replace diagnosis or treatment advice from a veterinarian.