How Heat Stress Affects Chickens

Chickens are susceptible to heat stress, which can cause a number of problems, including decreased egg production, thin-shelled eggs, and weight loss. Heat stress can also disrupt the acid-base balance in chickens, leading to respiratory alkalosis.

Questions

• What are the behavioral changes that chickens exhibit when they are heat stressed?
• How does heat stress affect egg production in chickens?
• How does heat stress affect weight gain in chickens?
• What is respiratory alkalosis?

Answers

• When chickens are heat stressed, they tend to rest more, position themselves close to walls or waterers, and spread their wings away from their bodies.
• Heat stress can decrease egg production in chickens by reducing feed intake and disrupting the acid-base balance.
• Heat stress can also affect weight gain in chickens by reducing feed intake and increasing water consumption.
• Respiratory alkalosis is a condition that occurs when the blood pH becomes too alkaline. This can be caused by heat stress, and it can lead to a number of problems, including decreased egg production and weight loss.