Reduce the effects of hot weather by modifying nutritional and husbandry practices

Turkey breeder performance can be negatively affected by hot weather conditions. The bird responds to these stressful conditions by trying to control its body heat and decrease the heat ‘burden’ on the body.

One of the key factors which impacts on the bird’s performance during heat stress is feed intake. Feed consumption increases body temperatures, this is known as the heat increment of feeding, so in warm weather conditions birds will reduce feed intake to reduce this additional heat ‘burden’. However, the bird needs to meet its daily nutritional needs to maintain growth rate. Increasing the nutrient density of the feed during a heat stress situation has achieved mixed results, this may be related to the different approaches to altering the nutrient density of the diets.

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During the periods of hot and/or humid weather, it is essential that we provide the birds with cooling. A poultry house ventilation system is one of the most important management tools for a farm manager to use. As the birds grow and climates change, the system needs to be able to adapt and cope with the changing demands to keep the birds in their comfort zone which ensures optimal biological performance.

Click here for more information on ‘Warm Weather Ventilation Management’.