Heat stress is inevitable. Lost performance isn’t.
Heat stress is inevitable. Lost performance isn’t.
May 22, 2026
With longer summers and rising temperatures, heat stress is becoming an increasingly common challenge in swine and poultry production.
Swine and poultry are particularly vulnerable: unlike most other species, they do not have sweat glands and rely mainly on panting to dissipate heat. When humidity rises, this mechanism quickly becomes less effective.
As a result, heat quickly causes discomfort and stress, directly influencing feeding behaviour, water intake and the animals’ overall condition.
What can you expect to see?
Heat stress can lead to:
- reduced feed and water intake
- increased energy expenditure related to thermoregulation
- behavioural changes
- overall reduced health and performance
Sometimes, unmanaged heat stress may also result in increased mortality and culling losses.
A complementary functional approach
Certain functional solutions can help better support animals during critical stress periods.
PHYTOZEN® LIQUID, developed from specific botanical extracts, is used to promote calm and positive behaviour during different stress situations:
- hot weather
- feed transitions
- vaccination
- transport
- handling
- fighting/aggression
A scientifically documented product
Published studies in swine and poultry report significant improvements regarding:
- behavioural stress responses
- feed and water consumption
- general health and performance
On top of proper ventilation and environmental management practices, this approach can be integrated into a comprehensive heat stress management strategy.
A reality that is here to stay
Changing climate conditions are leading producers to bolster their management tools.
More producers are realizing it’s better to prevent heat stress than deal with the damage afterward.
“When temperatures rise, animal comfort matters—because helping them cope with stress is fundamental to overall health and performance.”
— Stephanie Cottee, Ph.D., Animal Behaviour & Welfare Specialist
Reduce losses related to heat stress
Contact us for more information on how to integrate PHYTOZEN® LIQUID into your program. Order your jugs of PHYTOZEN® LIQUID today.
Call us at 450 771-7252 or toll-free at 1 800 267-7252, or email us at info@probiotech.com
Our team will be pleased to assist you.
