Heat stress – a challenge that’s heating up worldwide.
Laying hens are homeothermic animals, keeping their body temperature constant at 40–42 °C. While the optimal environment for layers is 18–24 °C, many regions now face prolonged heat waves that can significantly impact performance.
🌡️ What happens when it gets too hot?
High environmental temperatures reduce feed intake, egg weight, production rate, and shell quality — while increasing mortality. Without sweat glands, hens rely on radiation, conduction, convection, and respiration to lose heat, but efficiency drops sharply as temperatures rise. Above 42 °C environmental temperature, urgent measures are needed to prevent losses.
📊 The impact of heat stress:
Egg production ↓ up to –16%
Egg weight ↓ –3.5 g
Feed intake ↓ –14 g/day
Mortality risk ↑ dramatically during heat peaks
💡 Practical strategies to beat the heat:
• Adjust feeding times:
Avoid peak digestion during the hottest part of the day; consider withdrawing feed before expected peak temperatures.
• Midnight snack:
Give birds extra feeding time in the cool of the night (1–2 hours of light after a dark period).
• Cool, Fresh Water 💧:
Ensure constant access to cool, clean water. Add electrolytes or vitamins to support hydration and recovery. Flush water lines more often than usual.
• Additives:
Use suitable supplements in feed or water to reduce heat stress effects.
• Ventilation & Air Movement 🌬️:
Increase airflow with fans or tunnel ventilation.
• Reduce Stocking Density:
More space per bird = better airflow and lower heat load.
• Shade & Insulation 🏠:
Shade the roof, improve insulation, or use reflective materials to keep house temperatures down.
• Monitor weather forecasts:
Be ready to act before the heat wave hits.
⚠️ Remember: Heat stress is not only a production issue — it is a serious welfare threat and must remain a daily priority in flock management.
As climate challenges grow, proactive heat management is key to safeguarding layer welfare and maintaining productivity.
LOHMANN BREEDERS – It’s the egg. 🥚💛
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