Production and Economic Losses to Heat Stress Predominance

Different approaches to alleviating the negative impact of heat stress predominance that resulted from the Earth`s surface temperature change have been critically reviewed, with resultant effect on poultry productivity, health, economy, meat safety and food security, among others. Genetic modifications, managerial strategies, feeding pattern and technological approaches have undoubtedly exerted beneficial effects on heat stress predominance in poultry. However, they are limited in production efficiency as regards the demand of the 21st Century poultry farming systems, because they do not consider the altered acid-base balance specific to heat-stressed birds. Therefore, it becomes imperative to adopt a much more homeostatically stable alternative, whose beneficial effect on poultry health, performance, yield and economic integrity would not be compromised, in attempt to meet the global animal protein demand of the century. An ideal balance of dietary electrolytes is essential in poultry rations, especially under high environmental conditions