Growth performance of broilers and prevalence of different diseases vary with environmental variation

Abstract

Abstract Broiler meat is known for its nutritional value, availability, and low price. Although, broilers are more sensitive to environmental conditions and need a specific environment for optimum production. However, global warming and natural disasters are important obstacles to broiler production. Therefore, we conducted this study to reveal the broiler production status throughout the year in a subtropical region. In our study, we selected the years 2019, 2020, and 2022. The study area included Noakhali and Lakshimpur, located in the southern part of Bangladesh. We selected 10 smallholder broiler farms following specific conditions and collected information at the end of each month for analysis. The body weight of broilers was significantly lower in July than in other months. However, the mortality was significantly lower in July than in other months of the year. Nonetheless, the prevalence of viral disease was higher in the winter season (January, February, and December). Although, the metabolic disease prevalence was higher in October, a high prevalence of bacterial disease was found in April. These results suggest that high temperatures decrease broiler production while broilers are more susceptible to viral disease in the winter season.