Stress in Broiler Farming

Abstract

Broiler breeders’ problems arise from various factors, such as management, stress, nutrition, immunosuppression, heat and cold stress, feed restriction, stocking density, pollutants, and exposure to disease agents. Stress can have a significant impact on both performance and overall health, making individuals more vulnerable to disease. Research has shown that chickens are no exception to this, as their performance, welfare, and health can all be negatively affected by stress. This can result in a variety of issues, such as changes in behavior, decreased meat quality, damage to tissues and intestines, and even a higher risk of mortality. Managing stress is crucial for the success of breeding programs in broiler chickens. Stressors can be tackled by supplementing chicken diets with vitamins and antioxidants. Poultry birds cannot produce enough vitamins during stressful periods, and therefore, it is recommended to supplement their diets with a combination of vitamins or antioxidants. This approach is more effective than using individual vitamins to alleviate stress in chickens. This chapter discusses stress in broilers and specific causes of stress in broiler breeders. It also covers management practices and strategies to prevent and alleviate the negative effects of stress.