The Adaptability of Chickens to Various Temperatures

Abstract

CHICKENS deviate from their potential in reproductive performance when challenged by environmental conditions. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90°F. (Mueller, 1961) or below 60°F. (Hays, 1958) results in a reduced egg yield. Eggs produced under high air temperature conditions have thinner than normal shells and as a result are particularly fragile (Thornton and Moreng, 1959). These relationships are economically significant to the egg industry since meteorological variations constitute hazards in many poultry producing areas of the world. There is evidence that genetic differences affect the sensitivity and adaptability of chickens to high environmental temperatures. This appears to be true between breeds (Huston et al., 1957; Campos et al., 1960) and between families (Kheireldin and Shaffner, 1957). Individuals in a family have also demonstrated differences in acclimatization to hot humid environments (Hutchinson and Sykes, 1953). Genetic-environmental relationships with respect to adaptation of strains to different climates are reported here. MATERIALS AND…