Heat Stress in Poultry Farming: New Insights and Nutritional Strategies

Researchers from Chungbuk National University, in collaboration with other institutions, have conducted a comprehensive study on the impact of heat stress on broiler chickens and laying hens. The investigation aimed to examine the negative effects of heat stress on poultry productivity, immune response, and mortality, as well as to explore the potential of dietary functional nutrients in mitigating these effects. Funded by the National Research Foundation of Korea, the study provides strategic recommendations for the practical use of nutritional strategies to alleviate heat stress in poultry farming.

Key Takeaways:

• Heat stress in poultry leads to negative impacts on productivity, immune response, and mortality, resulting in increased blood glucose levels, respiration, muscle tension, and neural sensitivity.
• Inclusion of functional nutrients in poultry diets may offer several benefits, including attenuation of heat stress responses, enhancement of immune function, improvement of antioxidant capacity, maintenance of productivity, and promotion of intestinal health.
• The effectiveness of dietary functional nutrients may differ based on the specific type of additive, method of administration, and physiological and environmental conditions.
• Optimization of functional nutrients selection and application is crucial for reducing the impact of heat stress in broiler chickens and laying hens.
• This study provides foundational insights and recommendations for practical use of nutritional strategies to alleviate heat stress in poultry farming.
• The study includes a comprehensive review of the current state of research on heat stress in poultry and provides a framework for future research directions.
• Authors of the study include Yeong Bin Kim, Gyu Lim Yeom, Ju Yeong Park, Ha Neul Lee, Geun Yong Park, Ji Won Shin, Seung Yun Lee, and Jong Hyuk Kim.

Statistics:

• The study examined the impact of heat stress on broiler chickens and laying hens, resulting in significant decreases in productivity, immune response, and increased mortality rates.
• The research found an increase in blood glucose levels, respiration, muscle tension, and neural sensitivity in heat-stressed poultry.
• The study suggested that inclusion of functional nutrients in poultry diets may offer benefits such as attenuation of heat stress responses, enhancement of immune function, and improvement of antioxidant capacity.

Sources:

• NewsRx. (2025, October 30). Chungbuk National University Researchers Publish New Study Findings on Poultry Farming (Nutritional strategies to alleviate heat stress in broiler chickens and laying hens: role of functional nutrients). Agriculture Week.
• Journal of Animal Science and Technology (2025, 67(5):949-981). Nutritional strategies to alleviate heat stress in broiler chickens and laying hens: role of functional nutrients.
• Korean Society of Animal Sciences and Technology (Publisher).
• Yeong Bin Kim et al. (2025). Nutritional strategies to alleviate heat stress in broiler chickens and laying hens: role of functional nutrients. Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 67(5), 949-981. doi: 10.5187/jast.2500205