Towards identifying climate resilient poultry birds

Abstract

Among the agriculture sectors, poultry industry contributes substantially to the economy of many countries. Broiler poultry is considered safe enterprise in the changing climate scenario because of the low initial investment as well as the less time for its production. Chicken meat and egg are highly rich in most of the essential micronutrients, which makes them highly demanding to all especially the poor. The desire for chicken meat is rising day by day as it has no religious taboos as compared to red meat. Moreover, it does not compromise in health as it contains low saturated fats and enriched with most of the essential micronutrients. Poultry industry is in leading position among the agricultural and allied sectors. Chicken meat and eggs are the best source of quality protein, and millions of people are craving for it especially who live in poverty. The major advantage of poultry meat and eggs are that there are no religious taboos on their consumption as compared to other livestock products. Poultry products have many positive contributions to the diet of those on low incomes. As well not all meat is seen as healthy as chicken meat and is more affordable than other meats. Poultry meat was considered high quality because of its low saturated fats and enriched essential micronutrients. Climate change associated heat stress has emerged as one of the major constraints of poultry industry particularly in the hot and humid tropics. Birds are deprived of sweat glands and therefore thermoregulation becomes challenging in hot weather, which ultimately compromises their production efficiency and prolonged exposure to heat stress causes mortality of birds. .