The Use of Housing System in the Management of Heat Stress in Poultry Production in Hot and Humid Climate: a Review

There is a gap between the population growth and protein supply in many tropical countries where per capita income is low and the majority of people consume less protein than a daily standard for recommended protein intake. Poultry egg production remains the fastest route to bridging the protein demand-supply gap in these regions. However, poultry are faced with heat stress in the tropics which is deleterious to health and productive performance of laying and meat production. In addition, the problem limits dietary protein supply in the affected countries. The harmful effects of heat stress may be alleviated if attention is paid to sources of heat generation in the design and construction of the open poultry houses. This review discusses the internal climatic conditions of the poultry houses, how the birds respond to them, and their implications on heat management for poultry production. Hence, this paper provides pertinent information for guidance on parameters for open poultry houses architectural design that ensures optimum climatic conditions that will alleviate heat stress problem in poultry production in hot and humid climate.