What is the optimum temperature for chicken farming?

- It depends on the age, but it is generally as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Optimal temperature for Chicken breeding

Due to global warming, the average temperature of the Earth is rising. As a result, the heat stress on chickens become serious problems to farms. Then what are some of the problems caused by the heat?

Figure 2 Global average temperature

Source: https://ko.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/%ED%8C%8C%EC%9D%BC:Global_Temperature_Anomaly.svg

So what happens to chickens at high temperatures?

- At high temperatures, chickens become stressed. Due to the heat stress of chickens, there is a huge economic loss all over the world.

Chickens do some behaviors when they are under the heat stress. Spreading wings, panting and increasing water intake are the examples. And a stress hormone called cortisol is released.

Cortisol can cause serious problems by reducing immunity and homeostasis when it is secreted excessively due to heat stress.

Figure 3 is problems that occur in chickens due to heat stress.

Figure 3 heat stress problems to chickens

Then, what should you do?

- Ventilation

Ventilation is important to lower the temperature. Ventilation can be a good idea to lower the temperature of the chicken to reduce heat stress.

- Feed & Water

Increasing the level of fat instead of carbohydrates reduces the heat produced by the digestive process. Minimizing non-essential amino acids and fibers is also helpful. Another way is to paint the water tank white or cover it with a roof to provide cool water.

-Vitamin C

Another way is vitamin C. Vitamin C lowers the level of cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is secreted by heat stress. Vitamin C also strengthens the legs and improves productivity.