In the world of poultry farming, heat stress is a formidable adversary, costing the industry billions annually in lost productivity and compromised bird welfare. But what if a simple, cost-effective solution like wind could turn the tide? A groundbreaking study published in *Poultry Science* (known in English as *Korean Journal of Poultry Science*) suggests that it might. Led by Md Mortuza Hossain from the Department of Animal Biotechnology at Jeju National University in South Korea, the research delves into the physiological and genetic responses of Ross 308 broilers under different wind conditions, offering promising insights for the industry.
The study, which divided 240 broilers into three groups—low wind, high temperature (LWH); medium wind, high temperature (MWH); and high wind, high temperature (HWH)—revealed that birds exposed to higher wind speeds exhibited significantly better growth performance and thermoregulation. “Broilers in the HWH and MWH groups had higher feed intake, body weight gain, and lower rectal temperatures and respiration rates compared to the LWH group,” Hossain explained. This finding underscores the potential of wind as a simple yet effective tool in mitigating heat stress in poultry.
Beyond physical metrics, the study also explored the birds’ biochemical and genetic responses. Serum potassium and phosphorus levels were higher in the HWH and MWH groups, indicating enhanced metabolic stability under heat stress. Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes associated with heat stress response, such as HSPB9, THBS1, TLR2, EHHADH, and PDK4. These genes are linked to vital processes, innate immune responses, and biosynthetic pathways, contributing to thermal resilience.
The implications of this research are vast. For poultry farmers, understanding the role of wind speed in ameliorating heat stress effects could lead to more effective environmental management strategies. “This study lays the groundwork for enhanced environmental management and potential genetic and nutritional strategies in poultry production,” Hossain noted. By optimizing wind conditions in poultry houses, farmers could potentially reduce heat stress-related losses, improve bird welfare, and boost overall productivity.
Moreover, the study’s findings could pave the way for future developments in the field. Researchers might explore the genetic and nutritional strategies that could further enhance broilers’ resilience to heat stress. Additionally, the study’s insights could inform the design of poultry housing systems, incorporating wind management as a key factor in maintaining optimal bird health and performance.
As the global demand for poultry continues to rise, the need for innovative solutions to combat heat stress becomes increasingly urgent. This research offers a promising avenue for the industry to explore, highlighting the potential of wind as a simple, cost-effective tool in the fight against heat stress. With further research and development, the poultry industry could see significant improvements in productivity, profitability, and bird welfare.