Summary

Demand for deboned poultry meat has increased compared to requests for a whole bird. To meet this demand, broiler chickens today reach market weights of about 2.3 to 4.5 kg (5.1 to 9.9 lbs) at 42 to 63 days of age. The larger body weights and extended time on the farm increase the risk of thermal stress before the birds go to market. Thermal stress is one of the primary challenges faced by poultry growers and represents a key environmental factor in poultry health and production performance.