Open house tips for layers in hot climate zone

摘要

Layers kept in hot climate zones require special attention. Besides ensuring a cool environment, extra care should be given to feeding and water supply. Heat stress may cause an increase in mortality and dramatic losses in laying performance. Poultry farming in most of the developing countries situated between 25-30 latitude north and south of the Equator fall under the Hot Climate zone, with a high temperature and humidity particularly during summer months, causing heavy losses due to production and mortality. Chickens with a body temperature of 41 deg C (106 deg F) feel most. comfortable but can tolerate and adapt gradually to a higher temperature of 20-22 deg C under some circumstances. However, temperatures exceeding 25 deg C can lead to problems of heat stress, loss of production and even death beyond 30-47 deg C. Consequently, poultry farmers are required to control the environment and provide relief to the birds by keeping their body temperature under control under suitable housing conditions.