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Thermal adaptation and tolerance of poultry
About This Book
Fowls are endothermic species controlling body temperature (Tb) within a relatively narrow range, despite moderate to extreme changes in environmental conditions. Tb is recognized as the main characteristic that reflects thermal status. Significant developments in the genetic selection of domestic fowl enhanced performance-improved feed efficiency and increased metabolic rate, leading to low capability to balance energy expenditure and maintain body water balance under extreme environmental conditions. This chapter will focus on the effect of combinations of environmental conditions (temperature, ventilation, relative humidity) on thermal status and performance parameters of broilers, turkeys and laying hens. Furthermore, it will offer the use of epigenetic temperature adaptation during embryogenesis as a tool to improve thermotolerance and performance.
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Table of contents
- 1âIntroduction
- 2âBody temperature control by endothermic birds
- 3âNeuronal and endocrine Tb regulation
- 4âDifferent strategies to cope with the environment
- 5âPhysiological and cellular responses to changes in the environment
- 6âAmbient temperature, ventilation and RH: the effects on thermal status and performance
- 7âThermal manipulations during incubation â an epigenetic approach to improving thermotolerance and performance
- 8âConclusions
- 9âWhere to look for further information
- 10âReferences