Heat waves are causing serious problems for Belgian poultry production this year. Researchers from ILVO and Ghent University closely examined the poultry industry’s challenges.
They discovered temperature stress is worse for white egg-laying hens than brown.
Genetic traits play a significant role in poultry response to heat stress. Nutritional adjustments alone cannot prevent losses in health and production effectively.
Egg production decreases, shell quality worsens, and mortality rates increase during heat. Experts emphasize the importance of genetics for better adaptation to heat conditions.