Abstract
Simple SummaryDue to the common occurrence of environmental stressors worldwide, many studies have investigated the detrimental effects of heat stress on poultry production. It has been shown that heat stress negatively affects the welfare and productivity of broilers and laying hens. However, further research is still needed to improve the knowledge of basic mechanisms associated to the negative effects of heat stress in poultry, as well as to develop effective interventions.Understanding and controlling environmental conditions is crucial to successful poultry production and welfare. Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stressors challenging poultry production worldwide. The detrimental effects of heat stress on broilers and laying hens range from reduced growth and egg production to decreased poultry and egg quality and safety. Moreover, the negative impact of heat stress on poultry welfare has recently attracted increasing public awareness and concern. Much information has been published on the effects of heat stress on productivity and immune response in poultry. However, our knowledge of basic mechanisms associated to the reported effects, as well as related to poultry behavior and welfare under heat stress conditions is in fact scarce. Intervention strategies to deal with heat stress conditions have been the focus of many published studies. Nevertheless, effectiveness of most of the interventions has been variable or inconsistent. This review focuses on the scientific evidence available on the importance and impact of heat stress in poultry production, with emphasis on broilers and laying hens.
Highlights
Stress, a response to adverse stimuli, is difficult to define and understand because of its nebulous perception
The negative effects of heat stress on broilers and laying hens range from reduced growth and egg production to decreased poultry and egg quality and safety
A major concern should be the negative impact of heat stress on poultry welfare
Summary
A response to adverse stimuli, is difficult to define and understand because of its nebulous perception. Heat stress results from a negative balance between the net amount of energy flowing from the animal’s body to its surrounding environment and the amount of heat energy produced by the animal This imbalance may be caused by variations of a combination of environmental factors (e.g., sunlight, thermal irradiation, and air temperature, humidity and movement), and characteristics of the animal (e.g., species, metabolism rate, and thermoregulatory mechanisms). Environmental stressors, such as heat stress, are detrimental to animal agriculture [2,3,4]. The objective of this review is to compile the current knowledge and evidence available in the scientific (peer-reviewed) literature examining what is known about the importance and impact of heat stress in poultry production, focusing on broilers and laying hens
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