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POULTRY CARE IN THE SUMMER SEASON

The high temperatures and oppressive heat harm not just people but also poultry. In this hot weather, poultry producers must take additional care of their animals. Many measures must be taken for the hot summer months beginning with the first day of summer. Summer poultry farming is critical to comprehend since environmental stress has a negative impact on chicken performance. Heat stress has a detrimental impact on the welfare and production of broilers and laying hens. Heat stress has a negative impact on poultry, ranging from decreased growth and egg production to lower chicken and egg quality and safety. Understanding and regulating heat stress in chickens is critical to optimal poultry production and welfare. The ideal temperature for chicken raising is 18-28°C, while the temperature at which heat stress begins is 30°C.

Poultry lacks sweat glands and has a dense feather cover. During the summer, the birds consume less feed and more water, which affects their growth rate, egg production, eggshell quality, and hatchability, as well as their mortality rate. Diseases in flocks are also becoming more common as a result of moist litter, immunological suppression, vaccination failures, and contaminated drinking water.

Poultry farm operators ensure that there is grass cover on the grounds surrounding the poultry house. This would limit the reflection of sunlight into the house. Vegetation should be kept clipped to minimise obstructing airflow and to assist reduce rodent infestations. Preventative therapy by drinking water should be provided. To maintain electrolyte balance in moderately hot weather, ascorbic acid, acetylsalicylic acid, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride can be added to drinking water. He also suggested that the farm’s egg-collecting frequency be increased and that a cool chamber be used for egg storage during the hot summer months.

Summer’s Influence on poultry performance:

• Heat stroke causes prostration.
• Feed conversion efficiency is low.
• Birds’ weight increase has decreased.
• Reduces disease resistance
• Egg output has decreased.
• Egg size reduction, low eggshell quality.
• Reduced feed intake and increased water consumption.

The following methods will assist in combating heat stress in chicken husbandry throughout
the summer:

• Administration of housing
• Water management
• Feeding management
• Management in general

The poultry flock will stay healthy and productive throughout the summer if adequate heat stress management is implemented. These basic strategies will assist you in keeping the bird healthy and productive in hot weather. These rules will have an unanticipated impact on overall poultry output, either directly or indirectly.