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Also known as Heat stress

Heat prostration (Heat stress) occurs worldwide but especially in hot, humid areas. It affects all poultry species 5 weeks and older, however heavier breeds are more susceptible. The causes are high outside temperatures (reaching 100 º F) and high humidity (reaching 90% or more) combined with inadequate ventilation of poultry houses.

• Causes of Heat prostration
• Effects of Heat prostration
• Diagnosis of Heat prostration
• Treatment & Control of Heat prostration

Causes of Heat prostration

Older birds (over 5 weeks) and adults (especially heavy breeds) in production are more susceptible to high temperatures Accompanied by high humidity. Lacking sweat glands, the birds' only method of cooling is by rapid respiration with open mouths and wings relaxed and hanging loosely at their sides.

When outside temperatures approach 100oF (38oC) and relative humidity reaches 90%, body temperatures rise, the birds become week and feed consumption is decreased. If this continues for several days or weeks, the birds which may due to respiratory, circulatory, or electrolyte imbalances.

Birds in production will show a dramatic decrease in egg production and shell quality will deteriorate.

Effects of Heat prostration

Because the birds have no sweat glands, so their only method of cooling is by rapid respiration with mouths open, and wings hanging loosely by their sides. Birds become weak and feed consumption decreases. If continued for several days or weeks, birds will die due to respiratory, circulatory or electrolyte imbalance. There is a dramatic drop in egg production and shell quality will deteriorate.

Diagnosis of Heat prostration

Clinical signs are diagnosed at high environmental temperatures

Treatment & Control of Heat prostration

Every attempt should be made to improve air circulation with additional fans. Insulation of the building and use of white or aluminum paint on the outside of the building will reflect heat. Water sprinkers can be installed on the roof or side curtains on to cool the house.

Foggers Installation of high pressure in the evaporation coolers on the ceiling or side walls will also Significantly reducing inside temperatures when the relative humidity falls below 75%.

A system of tunnel ventilation (exhaust fans at one end of the house and air inlets at the other end will provide Significantly more efficient cooling and heating throughout the year). Reducing bird concentration and providing cool water birds with vitamin C, electrolytes and / or aspirin will also reduce heat stress.

Increasing the nutrient density of the feed (increased energy and protein) and feeding early in the morning are also important during hot weather when the birds' feed intake is less.