A review on the impact of heat stress on poultry performance
Author(s): Manthan Bhagora
Abstract: Environmental stress significantly restricts poultry performance, health, and welfare across the globe. Among the various stressors, thermal stress particularly heat stress remains the most critical challenge due to rising global temperatures and the intensification of modern production systems. Such stress induces a range of physiological, biochemical, behavioural, and immune alterations that reduce feed intake, hinder growth, lower egg production, impair fertility, weaken immunity, and increase mortality. This review outlines the major environmental stressors affecting poultry, explains their underlying mechanisms, and highlights their effects on growth, reproduction, immune function, and overall product quality. It also discusses management, nutritional, and genetic interventions to alleviate stress and enhance poultry resilience.
