Poultry producer loses more than 78,000 chickens to heat
Brazilian poultry producer Kesley Jordana has said that 78,300 chickens have succumbed to heat stress in less than a year as a result of heat waves and power outages in Bahia state.
The last case occurred in November when 20,000 animals ready for slaughter succumbed to thermal stress caused by extreme heat, worsened by the interruption of electricity supply. The total loss, the company said, was €60,000.
It was not an isolated case. Hotter days combined with the power outage caused almost €400,000 in losses for the producer this year alone.
In February, 46,000 birds, weighing an average of 3.3 kg, died due to weather conditions. The case resulted in the loss of approximately 152 tonnes of meat and a financial loss of more than €200,000.
In addition to these, 2 other incidents affected the same producer. One in the Cabaceiras do Paraguaçu region, with the loss of 7,800 birds, and another in BR-101, where more than 4,500 birds died.
Killer heat
Excessive heat affects chickens’ food conversion and also compromises the animals’ weight gain, making them more susceptible to disease.
The company Kesley Jordana explained that temperatures above 35°C pose a significant risk to broiler chickens, resulting in heat stress. This phenomenon can be fatal, negatively impacting poultry production.
The producer highlights the importance of constant monitoring of poultry behavior, with adjustments to thermal conditions as necessary.
According to Kesley Jordana, heat affects broiler farming in different ways. Thermal stress caused by high temperatures influences the reduction of food intake, makes it difficult for animals to gain weight, and makes them more susceptible to diseases.
“Extreme temperatures can be fatal for broiler chickens. Heat stress occurs when temperatures are significantly above ideal. Generally, temperatures above 35°C can increase the risk of this condition in broiler chickens,” explains the producer.
To have efficient production, it is important to monitor the animals’ behavior, with the possibility of adjusting thermal conditions if necessary. Therefore, power outages are a determining factor in the occurrence of losses on farms, as the provision of the service is essential for the operation of monitoring and ventilation systems in the poultry houses.
