Climate-Smart Poultry: Adapting to a Changing Environment

The poultry industry, a vital component of global agriculture and food security, is now confronting significant challenges due to the growing impact of climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and frequent extreme weather events are directly affecting poultry health, feed availability, water resources, and overall productivity. These climatic stressors not only threaten the sustainability of poultry farming but also increase the cost of production and vulnerability of smallholder farmers. In this changing scenario, the concept of “Climate-Smart Poultry” has gained momentum as a comprehensive strategy to ensure sustainable poultry production that can withstand climate shocks while reducing environmental impact.

Climate change influences poultry farming in multiple ways. One of the most pressing issues is heat stress, which severely affects broiler and layer birds. High ambient temperatures reduce feed intake, slow down weight gain, decrease egg production, and increase mortality rates. Furthermore, warmer and humid conditions lead to the proliferation of disease-causing pathogens, increasing the risk of outbreaks like Newcastle disease, Avian Influenza, and parasitic infestations. Climate change also exacerbates water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions, directly affecting bird health and hygiene. Moreover, the disruption in crop cycles caused by climate variability affects the availability and cost of feed grains such as maize and soybean, thereby threatening the economic viability of poultry operations.

To address these issues, the concept of Climate-Smart Poultry revolves around three core objectives: sustainably increasing poultry productivity and incomes; adapting and building resilience to the effects of climate change; and, where possible, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the sector. These goals align closely with the principles of Climate-Smart Agriculture and require systemic changes in how poultry is bred, housed, fed, and managed.

One of the critical components of climate-smart poultry is the selection and development of genetically resilient bird breeds. Indigenous breeds like Kadaknath, Vanaraja, Gramapriya, and Aseel have shown better adaptability to extreme climates, resistance to diseases, and tolerance to heat. These birds perform well under low-input backyard systems and offer an alternative to commercial breeds that are often vulnerable to environmental stress. Advances in genetic research and breeding technologies can further enhance traits like feed efficiency, disease resistance, and heat tolerance, making poultry farming more resilient and productive under changing climatic conditions.

Climate-adaptive poultry housing and infrastructure are equally important in mitigating the impacts of climate change. Traditional poultry sheds with open sides are no longer adequate. Modern poultry houses need to be designed with improved ventilation, insulated roofing, and cooling systems such as foggers and fans. These changes can maintain an optimal temperature inside the poultry house, thereby reducing heat stress on birds. Rainwater harvesting and waste recycling systems can be integrated into poultry infrastructure to promote resource conservation. For small and marginal farmers, cost-effective and locally adaptable housing solutions using bamboo, thatch, or mud bricks can provide thermal comfort and economic feasibility.

Feed and nutrition management also play a vital role in climate-smart poultry systems. During periods of heat stress, birds require additional electrolytes, antioxidants, and vitamins to maintain their physiological balance. To cope with feed scarcity and price volatility, farmers can explore alternative feed sources such as rice bran, sunflower cake, cassava, kitchen waste, and insects like black soldier fly larvae. These alternatives reduce dependence on conventional grains and lower the feed cost. Precision feeding techniques, such as nutrient-specific formulations and automatic feeders, ensure efficient nutrient utilization and minimize wastage, thereby improving productivity and environmental sustainability.

Health and biosecurity measures must be strengthened to cope with the changing disease dynamics triggered by climate variability. The emergence of new pathogens and vectors due to rising temperatures demands updated vaccination schedules and robust disease surveillance systems. Biosecurity protocols such as controlled access, regular disinfection, and rodent-proofing are essential to prevent disease outbreaks. Mobile veterinary services, weather-based disease forecasting, and digital tools for early warning can significantly enhance the preparedness and response capacity of poultry farmers.

Manure and waste management are crucial aspects of climate-smart poultry farming. Poultry manure, if improperly handled, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and nitrous oxide. Technologies such as composting, vermicomposting, and biogas generation not only reduce emissions but also convert waste into valuable organic fertilizers and energy. Regular litter turning, the addition of microbial inoculants, and proper storage practices minimize ammonia volatilization and odour. The use of carbon footprint assessment tools helps farmers measure and manage emissions more effectively at the farm level.

Climate-smart poultry cannot succeed without enabling policies, research support, and capacity-building efforts. Government policies should support climate-resilient infrastructure through subsidies, insurance schemes, and incentives for adopting renewable energy solutions like solar-powered lighting and heating systems. Research and development institutions must focus on climate-resilient breeding, feed innovation, and disease control. Extension services and training programs are needed to educate farmers about climate-smart techniques and build local capacity. Mobile apps and digital platforms can facilitate real-time decision-making through weather updates, health alerts, and best practices.

In rural India and other developing countries, poultry farming is often managed by women and smallholder farmers. Climate-smart poultry models should be inclusive and supportive of gender equity. Empowering women with access to training, credit, and technology ensures greater participation and resilience at the grassroots level. Moreover, integrating poultry with crop-livestock systems creates opportunities for circular economy practices where poultry manure can be used as fertilizer, and crop residues serve as poultry feed, promoting sustainable resource utilization. In conclusion, climate change is redefining the challenges and priorities of the poultry sector. Adapting to this new reality requires a shift towards climate-smart poultry systems that combine scientific innovation, traditional knowledge, and policy support. By enhancing resilience, optimizing resource use, and reducing environmental impact, climate-smart poultry holds the key to ensuring sustainable livelihoods, food security, and rural development in a changing world. As the sector moves forward, it must embrace a holistic, inclusive, and climate-conscious approach to secure its future amidst uncertainty.