What a changing climate can mean to all our chickens

Paul Donovan investigates the effects of weather patterns and events from commercial to smallholding and garden poultry

- Paul Donovan

The poultry industry is a significant contributor to global food production, providing a vital source of protein for millions of people worldwide. However, climate change poses a substantial threat to the sustainability, and productivity of poultry farming. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, fires, and increased frequency of extreme weather events can lead to heat stress, disease outbreaks, and feed shortages, ultimately impacting bird health, welfare, and productivity.

As the global climate continues to shift, poultry farmers, breeders, and industry stakeholders must adapt and innovate, to ensure the long-term resilience of this critical food system.

THE IMPACT OF RISING TEMPERATURES

Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to poultry health and productivity. Heat stress occurs when birds are unable to dissipate excess heat, leading to increased mortality, reduced growth rates, and decreased egg production. As temperatures rise, poultry farmers may witness increased incidence of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Furthermore, heat stress can compromise birds' immune systems, making them more susceptible to disease outbreaks.

The impact of heat stress is particularly pronounced in regions with high humidity, where birds' ability to cool themselves through evaporation is impaired. To mitigate these effects, poultry farmers must adopt strategies to keep birds cool, such as providing shade, ventilation, and cooling systems, as well as adjusting feeding and watering schedules to reduce heat stress during peak temperatures.

CHANGES IN PRECIPITATION PATTERNS