Stress is an occurrence that causes, physical, emotional and psychological strain on the poultry.
Poultry birds go through stress for different reasons, one factors that cause stress on birds is an occurrence of hot and excessive temperature,. which is usually referred to as heat stress.
Heat Stress can be defined as a condition of high temperature combined with relative high humidity and low air speed. This condition (of heat) sometimes become excessive thereby causing strain on the birds. Heat stress is primarily caused by excessive heat which cause strains making the birds uncomfortable. Excessive discomfort and stress from heat – (commonly referred to as heat stress in the birds) can lead to mortality when not promptly managed.
Heat stress result to increase in the heart rate and high body temperature for the birds which if not quickly attended to can cause mortality.. Excessive heat in the housing of the birds immediately impacts on the physiological and behavioural responses of the birds.
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STRESS IN A POULTRY BIRD
The following are some simple signs that could be noticed in the birds to detect heat stress
- Excessive panting by the birds due to increase in their heart rate
- The birds become low and dull in their looking
- The birds have pale comb and wattles
- Provide plenty cool water to the birds for drinking.
- Never serve the birds hot water, thus, it is advisable that the water tank(s) for the birds be protected from the sun.
- Make the poultry house well ventilated, for good movement of air in and out to the poultry house
- When heat strain is noticed in the birds, you can use sprinkler to pour some quantity of water on the birds.
- Avoid overcrowding in the poultry house
- Use proper roofing and housing design to reduce heat buildup in the poultry house
- Provide shade around the poultry house to avoid direct sun heat-up
- It reduces the feed-intake ability of the birds thereby leading to poor growth
- It decreases the ability of the birds to produce eggs
- It increases mortality rate in severe cases among the birds
- It adversely impact on the poultry operation profitability
The goal of every poultry entrepreneur is simply to “protect the birds, protect the investment and protect the profit”, because in poultry farming, profit is not only made by selling birds — it is also protected by preventing avoidable losses.
Heat stress is a major pothole that drains the farm profit, therefore, it is not to be neglected. If you are serious about building a sustainable poultry business, pay close attention to factors that silently drain profit. Mortality is not just a number in your farm record; it is a direct signal about the efficiency of your farm management.
A well-managed poultry farm does not eliminate challenges completely, but it anticipates risks and manages them before they become costly problems.
