Climate-Resilient Poultry Production under Climate Change: Impacts, Challenges and Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Climate change, driven primarily by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, poses a significant threat to global food systems, environmental stability, and socio-economic development. The poultry sector plays a pivotal role in global food and nutrition security by providing affordable, high-quality animal protein and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. However, poultry production systems are highly vulnerable to climate-induced stressors, including rising temperatures, heat stress, water scarcity, altered disease dynamics, and disruptions in feed availability. These stressors adversely affect bird health, productivity, welfare, and economic sustainability. This review is based on a systematic analysis of current scientific literature to synthesize evidence on the impacts of climate change on poultry production, with a focus on physiological stress responses, feed intake and reproductive performance, disease prevalence, and resource constraints. It further highlights the urgency of adopting climate-resilient practices to safeguard poultry production systems. By integrating insights from genetics, nutrition, health management, and environmental control, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for developing adaptive and sustainable poultry production systems capable of withstanding the challenges posed by a changing climate.