Heat stress in poultry: In-ovo leucine can help Cover story

Heat stress poses an increasing threat for poultry production. By adding certain amino acids in-ovo, it was hypothesised that it could help in thermoregulation of the chicks after hatching. Heat stress is currently considered to be a major environmental factor impairing the welfare and productivity of food producing animals. It not only affects the livestock industry in tropical climates, it can also be a problem in temperate regions. The damaging effects of heat stress on broilers and laying h