Effects of heat stress on broiler meat quality

With the continued increases in broilers production, the negative impact of environmental conditions on birds has attracted increasing public awareness and concern. Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stressors challenging broiler production world-wide. The detrimental effects of heat stress on broilers range from reduced growth to decreased quality of broiler products. This review focuses on the available scientific evidence for the impact of heat stress in broiler production, with emphasis on performance, physiological and biochemical effects, muscle oxidation, and meat quality.