PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO STRESS IN BROILER CHICKENS : A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract Transportation and heat stress are some of the many stress factors that broilers encounter, which have great impacts on the welfare, productivity, and physiology of the birds. The objective of the present study was to assess the impacts of these stress factors on several physiological parameters such as oxidative stress markers, endocrine, hematology, thermoregulatory, and cardiovascular parameters. This research employed a quantitative methodology. Thirty broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus) were used as subjects. The analysis was done by using computer software known as SPSS. The findings revealed that the elevation in corticosterone, increase in H/L ratio, and variation in heart rate, respiration rate, and body temperature were as a result of heat and transit stress. This shows that there could be immunosuppression and HPA axis stimulation. The broiler feed should be enriched with antioxidants and electrolytes, optimize transport, and control the environment.