Feeding under heat stress

摘要

Stress describes the sum of non-specific responses or defence mechanism of the body, when faced with abnormal or extreme demands. High ambient temperature as encountered in India and many other countries during the summer can generate a state of stress and evokes a combination of behavioural, biochemical and physiological adaptation which generally result in a reduction in the poultry performance. Heat stress, in particular, has a highly detrimental effect on egg production in laying hens. Both the number and egg weight are affected. Reduced eggshell thickness is also observed resulting in poor shelf life and economic losses.