Introduction 

Poultry production is one of the most dynamic sectors of animal agriculture, but it is highly sensitive to environmental stressors, particularly heat. As global temperatures continue to rise, heat stress has emerged as a major constraint to poultry productivity, welfare and profitability. Poultry are homeothermic animals; however, their limited ability to dissipate heat due to the absence of sweat glands makes them extremely vulnerable to heat load. When ambient temperature exceeds the birds’ thermoneutral zone (18–24°C for broilers and 21–27°C for layers) physiological and behavioral changes occur to maintain homeostasis often at the cost of performance and health.Herbal innovation that is Amla (Emblica officinalis) stands out as one of nature’s richest sources of Vitamin C and polyphenols, making it a cornerstone ingredient in NATURCEE Powder, a natural supplement designed to reinforce immunity and stress tolerance in poultry.

Understanding Heat Stress

Heat stress in poultry is defined as a physiological condition where the bird fails to balance body heat production and heat dissipation, leading to hyperthermia. It is broadly categorized into acute (short-term) and chronic (prolonged exposure) forms.

Key environmental factors contributing to heat stress include:

• High ambient temperature
• High relative humidity
• Poor ventilation
• High stocking density
• Excessive radiant heat from roofs or equipment

Physiological and Metabolic Responses

During heat stress, poultry undergo a series of physiological and metabolic adjustments aimed at maintaining thermal balance:

Panting and Hyperventilation
Birds increase their respiratory rate (panting) to promote evaporative cooling. However, this causes respiratory alkalosis, a condition characterized by excessive CO₂ loss and elevated blood pH (Teeter et al., 1985, Poultry Science).

Reduced Feed Intake
Birds voluntarily decrease feed consumption to minimize metabolic heat production. As a result, growth rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and egg production decline significantly.

Altered Endocrine Function
Heat exposure reduces plasma levels of thyroid hormones (T₃, T₄), impairing metabolism and thermoregulation. Elevated corticosterone levels reflect chronic stress and immunosuppression (Yunianto et al., 1997, British Poultry Science).

NATURCEE Powder – Nature’s Support for Poultry Immunity

NATURCEE Powder is a scientifically formulated natural Vitamin C supplement designed to enhance immunity, support antioxidant defense and help birds cope with environmental and management-related stress.

Benefits

For Broilers

• Enhances natural disease resistance and reduces infection load.
• Supports optimum growth and feed efficiency under stressful conditions.
• Lowers mortality rates during high heat or disease challenges.

For Layers and Breeders

• Strengthens post-vaccination antibody response.
• Helps maintain egg production, shell quality, and fertility during hot seasons.
• Reduces egg drop and improves hatchability through antioxidant support.

Sustainable Poultry through Natural Nutrition

NATURCEE represents the future of eco-friendly, antibiotic-free poultry farming. By supporting the bird’s own antioxidant and immune systems, it promotes health resilience naturally, without leaving chemical residues.

Farmers using such natural supplements experience healthier flocks, better production stability, and reduced dependence on synthetic drugs  contributing to safer poultry products and sustainable animal agriculture.

References

1. Wang, Y. et al. (2023). Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Strategies in Poultry Production. Animals.
2. Attia, Y. A. et al. (2020). Nutritional Modulation of Heat Stress in Poultry. Poultry Science Journal.
3. Singh, R. et al. (2022). Phytochemical and Immunomodulatory Role of Emblica officinalis. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
4. Khan, M. S. et al. (2021). Protective Role of Herbal Antioxidants against Stress in Broilers. Animals.
5. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2022). Mechanistic Insights into Phytogenic Immunomodulators in Poultry.