Physiological dynamics in broiler chickens under heat stress and possible mitigation strategies

Abstract

High ambient temperature has emerged as a major constraint for the future development of the poultry industry, especially in the tropics and subtropics. The scarcity of resources coupled with harsh environmental conditions is the most crucial predicaments in the way to rationalize optimum production of broiler. Heat stress disturbs the physiological biochemistry of the broiler which ultimately reduces feed intake and feed efficiency which ultimately results in reduced performance and productivity. Under hot environmental conditions, feed utilization is disturbed by the deposition of fat and oxidative stress. In addition, changes in blood cells, acid-base balance, immune response, liver health, and antioxidant status are some of the major dynamics altered by heat stress. The broilers have a narrow range of temperatures to withstand heat stress. In this review, we have discussed the various physicochemical changes during heat stress, their possible mechanisms, and mitigation strategies to reduce heat stress.

Keywords:

• Broiler
• heat stress
• blood
• physiology
• climate

Acknowledgments

Authors extend thanks to their respected institutes and universities.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

All the authors equally contributed and commented on early and final version of manuscript. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.