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<p>This study investigated the effect of acute heat stress on the behavior and performance of broilers at different growth stages (14, 21, 35, and 39&#xa0;days). Broilers were exposed to both thermal comfort and heat stress conditions, and their behavior, body surface temperature, feed and water intake, and weight gain were measured before, during, and after exposure. Behavioral assessments included the frequency of comfort-related actions (sitting, panting, and wing spreading) and active behaviors (standing and walking). From these, we calculated the Comfort: Activity Ratio (CAR). This composite behavioral index reflects the balance between thermoregulatory behaviors and physical activity, serving as an indirect indicator of heat stress intensity. The CAR rose significantly in all age groups during heat exposure, mainly in older birds. These changes were most noticeable in older birds, indicating an age-related decline in heat adaptability. Performance metrics showed consistent patterns across all age groups: water intake increased under heat stress, while feed intake and weight gain decreased significantly. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained statistically unchanged. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed that reduced feeding time was strongly associated with poorer performance outcomes. These findings highlight the behavioral and physiological impacts of acute heat stress in broilers, emphasizing the value of behavior-based monitoring tools in heat stress management strategies.</p>

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Effects of acute heat stress on performance and behavior of broiler chickens across growth stages

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月9日

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  • Rimena do Amaral Vercellino,
  • Irenilza de Alencar Nääs,
  • Daniella Jorge de Moura

摘要

This study investigated the effect of acute heat stress on the behavior and performance of broilers at different growth stages (14, 21, 35, and 39 days). Broilers were exposed to both thermal comfort and heat stress conditions, and their behavior, body surface temperature, feed and water intake, and weight gain were measured before, during, and after exposure. Behavioral assessments included the frequency of comfort-related actions (sitting, panting, and wing spreading) and active behaviors (standing and walking). From these, we calculated the Comfort: Activity Ratio (CAR). This composite behavioral index reflects the balance between thermoregulatory behaviors and physical activity, serving as an indirect indicator of heat stress intensity. The CAR rose significantly in all age groups during heat exposure, mainly in older birds. These changes were most noticeable in older birds, indicating an age-related decline in heat adaptability. Performance metrics showed consistent patterns across all age groups: water intake increased under heat stress, while feed intake and weight gain decreased significantly. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) remained statistically unchanged. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed that reduced feeding time was strongly associated with poorer performance outcomes. These findings highlight the behavioral and physiological impacts of acute heat stress in broilers, emphasizing the value of behavior-based monitoring tools in heat stress management strategies.