When temperatures rise above hens’ comfort zones, their performance drops in three key areas:

– Egg Production: Heat stress disrupts hormones, reducing egg quantity and quality—thinner shells and weaker yolks impact fertility and hatchability.

– Reproductive Efficiency: Roosters produce fewer viable sperm, and embryos from heat-stressed hens have higher mortality and lower hatch weights.

– Long-Term Health: Prolonged heat accelerates reproductive ageing and weakens immunity, increasing vulnerability to infections like Salmonella.