Heat stress and poor plumage threaten poultry health and productivity, but smart nutritional solutions offer a natural way to restore balance and resilience. Targeted plant-based and mineral ingredients support flock welfare and performance amid rising climate challenges.

Modern poultry breeds are highly efficient—but they’re also highly sensitive. Stress caused by heat, social disruption or poor environmental conditions affects welfare, behaviour and, ultimately, productivity. This is where smart nutritional solutions come into play, supporting birds in a targeted and effective way.

HEAT STRESS: A MAJOR BUT UNDERESTIMATED THREAT

One of the most severe and underestimated stressors in poultry production is heat. Experts estimate that the annual losses to the global poultry industry due to heat stress run into the billions. This is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, which is contributing to more frequent and intense heat waves. As temperatures rise, poultry farmers worldwide are facing increasing challenges in maintaining flock health and performance.

The effects of heat stress are visible—and costly: reduced feed intake, decreased performance, poor feather cover and lower egg production. Birds often become lethargic, pant more, and lose their appetite—compromising not only their growth and egg output but also their general health and resilience. But while these effects are significant, they are also manageable with the right approach.

FEATHERS SPEAK VOLUMES

Feather condition is far more than a matter of appearance. It is a visible marker of health and welfare. A well-maintained plumage improves thermoregulation, reduces energy loss and supports feed efficiency. In contrast, poor feathering is a clear sign of stress—often caused or worsened by behavioural issues such as feather pecking.

Feather pecking is not always an act of aggression. In many cases, it reflects frustration, anxiety or nervousness, and it can spread quickly within a flock. This behaviour can escalate from harmless pecking to severe injuries, especially in systems with high stocking densities. Birds affected by heat stress are especially prone to such behaviours. The biochemical changes caused by stress—elevated levels of corticosterone, disrupted hormonal balance and oxidative stress—create a perfect storm for feather loss.

Poor feather condition is also associated with impaired immune function and a greater susceptibility to disease. In this way, external signs like plumage can reflect deeper physiological imbalances and stress responses.

THE COST OF COMPROMISED PLUMAGE

Feather loss leads to a vicious cycle:

• In low temperatures, it increases heat loss, meaning birds consume more feed to maintain body temperature. This raises production costs.
  
• In high temperatures, it disrupts thermoregulation and increases water loss through panting and skin evaporation. The resulting dehydration further impacts performance.
  
• In all weather conditions, it impairs welfare, productivity and the animals’ ability to cope with stressors.
  

In addition, bare skin is more vulnerable to injury and infection, and poor feathering can reduce egg production due to higher energy demands and disrupted hormonal cycles. It can also impact market acceptance, as consumers are increasingly attentive to visible indicators of animal welfare.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS THAT RESTORE CALM AND BALANCE

MagPhyt, Dr. Eckel’s phytogenic anti-stress solution, supports poultry in times of stress—particularly during hot periods. Its effect comes from the targeted combination of plant-based and mineral substances working in synergy:

Hop components help regulate neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These influence mood, appetite and behaviour. At the same time, hop compounds act as antioxidants, protecting cells from the damaging effects of heat-induced stress. Their calming effects on the central nervous system are well documented in both animal and human studies.

Organic magnesium supports the nervous system and promotes muscle and circulatory health. During stress, birds often need more magnesium than a standard feed provides. It reduces excitability in nerve cells, helps maintain consistent faecal quality and encourages calm behaviour—lowering the incidence of feather pecking. It also supports thermoregulation, fluid balance and cell membrane stability, which are all essential during heat exposure.

Together, these components help animals recover faster, eat more steadily and stay in good condition even during stressful phases. Unlike pharmaceutical options, phytogenic ingredients like those in MagPhyt work gently with the birds’ natural physiology.

FIELD AND TRIAL RESULTS: LESS STRESS, BETTER PERFORMANCE

Scientific studies show that MagPhyt helps reduce stress markers in heat stress situations. In one trial with broilers, birds receiving MagPhyt had significantly lower corticosterone levels (figure 1)—a key indicator of stress. They also performed better—improved feed conversion, greater final weight (figure 2) which leads to a better productivity index (EPI) and visibly better condition—despite the heat.

Figure 1: Impact of MagPhyt on stress marker corticosterone in poultry

Figure 2: MagPhyt improves body weight even under stressful conditions

In layer flocks, MagPhyt has been associated with more stable performance, less mortality and better feather scores. These improvements translate directly into higher economic returns for producers. Producers report similar results in the field: calmer birds, healthier plumage, greater persistence in laying and better overall productivity. In some cases, farmers have even been able to reduce the use of other supplements or behavioural interventions, thanks to the improved balance and resilience provided by the product.

With MagPhyt, hens remain fit, resilient and productive and they look it, too. And it is not just for acute stress: MagPhyt is the proactive product to protect birds from stress before it occurs, improving their resilience, appearance, general well-being and, eventually, their overall performance throughout the entire production cycle.

SMART NUTRITION FOR A CHANGING CLIMATE

In an era of rising temperatures and production pressure, stress resilience is more important than ever. MagPhyt provides a natural, proven solution that supports performance and animal welfare. Its benefits extend beyond the individual animal to the flock as a whole—creating more stable, efficient and sustainable production systems.

Keep your hens healthy, calm and productive – throughout the entire laying cycle.