Combined use of red ginger extract and a cooling perch improves thermoregulation and performance of broilers in tropical semi-open housing

This study evaluated the combined effects of red ginger extract and a cooling perch system on thermoregulation and performance of broiler chickens under chronic heat stress in tropical semi-open housing. A total of 198 broiler chicks were allocated to 18 floor pens in a completely randomized design with three treatments: control, red ginger supplementation, and red ginger combined with a cooling perch. Birds were exposed to daily ambient temperatures exceeding the thermoneutral range. The combined treatment significantly reduced cloacal temperature, water intake, and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio compared with the control group, indicating improved thermal status and reduced physiological stress. Growth performance did not differ significantly among treatments, while the feed conversion ratio was numerically lower, suggesting a trend toward improved feed utilization under heat stress conditions. These findings suggest that combining phytogenic antioxidant supplementation with conductive cooling may provide a practical strategy to improve thermoregulation and production efficiency in broilers raised under tropical conditions.