Whilst we still see varying periods of cooler and warmer weather, it does seem that our summer climates are exhibiting increasing temperatures.
With increasing demand for poultry meat and products, farmers and production workers have to adapt to working in hotter conditions. A further consequence of this is increased concern over birds experiencing heat stress. This can have a significant impact on a farmers’ business and is a significant welfare issue.
Heat stress in birds
Heat stress occurs when humidity and air temperature increase birds’ core body temperature. Chickens do not have sweat glands so they find it difficult to control the balance between body heat and heat loss. Therefore, they have to rely on panting to release any heat from their bodies. Birds can become tired due to heat exhaustion if unable to find any relief from the heat. Signs of heat stress can include open-mouth breathing, lifted wings and a decreased rate of egg production.
Impact of heat stress on farming business
Heat stress in poultry can affect egg production, growth and reproduction performance. Recent studies also show that broilers, suffering from chronic heat stress, have a low amount of protein in their bodies and store high contents of fat. All of these issues can affect the gross margin of the farm business impacting its future viability and welfare of staff and animals.
It can be challenging for farmers to swiftly resolve heat stress in poultry whilst ensuring the flock remain healthy and safe. In some instances, subsequent investigations into mass poultry deaths following prolonged spells of hot weather have raised questions about adequate measures being implemented.
News on heat stress in poultry
As a consequence of the extreme summer temperatures of 2022, millions of factory farm chickens perished. Within some industrial sheds, temperatures climbed to 45°C (113°F). In some cases, whistleblowers claimed that not enough was done to protect animals from the heat, with some employees not speaking out through fear of losing their jobs.
In response to such allegations, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) were “deeply concerned” about the issue. Richard Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Poultry Council, in a written statement noted that: “Mitigating measures exist to maintain the health and welfare of birds. As is the case for other industries, we are urging all poultry keepers to advance these measures to cope with extraordinary weather conditions in the longer term.”
You can read more about the challenges posed to poultry farmers through environmental change in our spotlight ‘Livestock Matters: economic and environmental impacts on poultry farmers’.
Livetec solutions for farming challenges
Heat stress poses significant risks to both poultry and farmers’ businesses. In response to soaring temperatures, individuals may be tempted to relax their biosecurity measures. However, by doing so, they are inadvertently increasing the likelihood of dangerous disease transmission.
Livetec are experts in animal welfare and livestock protection. While biosecurity measures alone may not directly address heat stress, their implementation can indirectly contribute to mitigating its impact. Good biosecurity promotes overall health and reduces disease burdens. Consequently, it enhances resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Livetec deliver personal biosecurity solutions tailored to your specific needs, in order to protect your poultry and your business. For more information, contact the Livetec Biosecurity Advisory Service team today by clicking here.
