Innovative Strategies to Mitigate Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

Heat stress remains a major challenge for the poultry industry, particularly in tropical regions and warm seasons, where it negatively impacts poultry welfare and performance, leading to economic losses. Although heat stress has been a long-term concern for the poultry industry, existing solutions only partially alleviate the negative impacts on overall productivity. Enhancing our understanding of this challenge and available solutions can aid in shaping future initiatives to develop more robust solutions for managing heat stress. This review explores recent strategies developed to mitigate heat stress in broiler chickens, including genetic selection, nutritional approaches such as vitamins (C, E, A, and B groups), amino acids, electrolytes, environmental modifications, and improving behavioral monitoring systems. Furthermore, we discussed the challenges in reducing the impacts of heat stress. Integrating these diverse strategies can improve poultry resilience, ensuring better welfare and sustainable production systems. Therefore, this review contributes to advancing adaptive strategies to safeguard poultry in a warming world.