The Synergistic Effect of Integrated Management on Broiler Production Performance, Physiological Status, and Economic Viability under Extreme Heat Stress Conditions in Iraq

Abstract

The Iraqi poultry industry has a critical problem of extreme summer heat with temperatures exceeding 45°C, which results in severe heat stress on broilers, and subsequently, production losses greater than 30%. Standard management strategies that are segregated and disjointed are insufficient to address this type of complex problem. The current research measured the impact of a synergistic integrated management system (IMS) incorporating the latest in environmental control and management systems, optimized potable water management, and precision feeding on the overall performance of broilers during the extreme heat of the summer in Iraq. Methods: A 35-day summer trial was conducted with 480 Ross 308 chicks assessed in a completely randomized design with four treatments: T1 (conventional), T2 (environmental control), T3 (T2 + water management), and T4 (comprehensive IMS). Assessed parameters included production metrics, environmental stress indicators (cortisol – note: assay shows high cross-reactivity with chicken corticosterone, thyroid hormones), immune function (antibody titers, organ indices), and a full economic assessment. Across all metrics (P<0.01), T4 demonstrated the greatest results. Final body weight T4: (2.48 kg, 13.8% increase) vs. T1: (2.18 kg). Feed conversion ratio T4: (1.61, 12.5% improvement) vs. T1: (1.84). Mortality: T4: 2.3% (70.5% reduction) vs. T1: 7.8%. Physiological metrics showed reduced stress (cortisol: 5.2 vs. 12.8 ng/mL) and enhanced metabolic activity (T3: 2.02 vs. 1.45 ng/mL) in T4. Enhanced immune competence was demonstrated by higher NDV titers (7.1 vs. 5.2 log₂) and bursa weight (0.27% vs. 0.18% BW). Although T4 had increased initial costs compared to T1, it had the greatest economic benefit-cost ratio (1.88) and return on investment (29.8%). For Iraqi broiler production, the application of an integrated model of environmental, water, and nutrition management reduces heat stress and improves productivity, welfare, and profitability, which is valid from scientific and economic standpoints. This provides valuable lessons for the poultry industry in other arid and hot regions.