Extreme El Niño conditions forecasted by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) threaten to push temperatures to 40°C between January and May 2027, forcing broiler farmers to rely on closed-house cooling infrastructure to prevent flock mortality.
Climate Pressures and Closed-House Farm Preparations
Broiler farmer and Selangor Poultry Farmers Association chairman Mohd Muzamri Shoib has spent 26 years raising chickens, operating two closed-house poultry buildings in Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam, equipped with cooling pads and exhaust fans. According to Muzamri, these systems circulate water through wall-mounted pads while large exhaust fans pull air through the building to remove ammonia and regulate internal temperatures based on the birds’ age. Younger birds require warmer conditions of around 37°C, while older broilers face risks from excessive heat. To combat extreme mid-day temperatures between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Muzamri purchases roughly 30 large bags of ice to chill the water reservoir supplying the cooling pads, a routine that lasts five to six days.
Did you know? Modern broilers reach market weight rapidly, generating considerable body heat that makes birds nearing maturity particularly sensitive to spikes in ambient temperature and humidity.
Physiological Impacts of Heat Stress on Broilers
Professor Datuk Zulkifli Idrus, director of the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security at Universiti Putra Malaysia, explained that chickens cannot sweat like humans and rely primarily on panting and increased blood flow to their skin, combs, and wattles to release heat. When temperatures stay high, birds pant more, reduce feed intake, and consume more water, which can disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to organ failure and death. Zulkifli noted that adult chickens begin experiencing heat stress when temperatures exceed 26°C in high humidity, with risks escalating once temperatures reach 32°C to 35°C and above. High humidity makes panting less effective because the birds struggle to release heat through evaporation, while reduced feed intake can lead to slower growth and poorer feed conversion ratio.
Water Management and Supplemental Cooling Strategies
Maintaining a constant, clean supply of cool drinking water is critical during prolonged heatwaves, according to Zulkifli, because chickens drink substantially more fluids to offset losses from panting. Farmers must also ensure emergency generators remain fully operational to prevent sudden power failures that would halt ventilation and cooling systems in closed-house facilities. Beyond infrastructure, Muzamri incorporates specialized supplements into the flock’s water supply to help regulate their internal body temperature, including drinks containing rock sugar. Furthermore, Muzamri plans to upgrade his farm’s controls to a smartphone-integrated system, enabling remote monitoring and adjustments to feeding, cooling pads, and exhaust fans when he is away from the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are modern broiler chickens more vulnerable to heat stress?
Modern broilers grow very rapidly and generate substantial internal body heat, making them particularly susceptible to overheating as they approach market weight.
What temperature triggers heat stress in adult chickens?
According to Professor Datuk Zulkifli Idrus, adult chickens typically begin experiencing heat stress when temperatures rise above 26°C, especially in humid conditions.
How do closed-house farms manage extreme temperatures?
Closed-house farms use tunnel ventilation systems, exhaust fans, water-circulated cooling pads, temperature and humidity sensors, and automatic controllers to actively regulate indoor climates.