Thermoregulation and Physiological Responses to Heat Stress in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review


Authors

  • Vanlalhmangaihsanga ORCiD Department of Livestock Production Management, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India
  • Nanda Kumar Roy Department of Livestock Production Management, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India
  • Venus Das Department of Livestock Production Management, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India
  • V. Keerthi Department of Livestock Production Management, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India
  • N.K. Praharaj Department of Livestock Production Management, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India
  • Abhijeet Champati Department of Livestock Production Management, Institute of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Kalinga Nagar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751030, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66920/ijps.2026.87.98

Keywords:

Heat stress, immune function, physiological response, poultry welfare, thermoregulation

Abstract

Heat stress represents a major constraint in poultry production, adversely affecting bird health, productivity and welfare. This review examines the physiological and biochemical consequences of heat stress in poultry, with particular emphasis on its effects on feed intake, egg production and immune competence. It outlines the principal thermoregulatory mechanisms, including conduction, convection, radiation and evaporative heat loss, through which birds maintain thermal homeostasis. In addition, the roles of stress-associated hormones and metabolic adaptations under elevated ambient temperatures are discussed. Collectively, these physiological alterations lead to reductions in feed intake, growth rate, eggshell formation, egg quality and overall performance, while prolonged exposure may result in increased mortality. The evidence reviewed indicates that heat stress constitutes a multifactorial disturbance, involving coordinated disruptions across metabolic, endocrine, immune and behavioural systems.

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2026-06-01

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Vanlalhmangaihsanga, Roy, N. K., Das, V., Keerthi, V., Praharaj, N., & Champati, A. (2026). Thermoregulation and Physiological Responses to Heat Stress in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review. International Journal of Poultry Science, 25, 87–98. https://doi.org/10.66920/ijps.2026.87.98