Cold Stress Induced Reprogramming of Energy Distribution and Lipid Metabolism in Poultry

Cold stress represents a major environmental challenge in poultry production, yet its metabolic consequences remain less explored than those of heat stress. Cold exposure increases maintenance energy requirements and induces thermogenesis, leading to a reprogramming of energy distribution toward lipid mobilization and oxidation. These metabolic adjustments are accompanied by enhanced mitochondrial activity and elevated reactive oxygen species production, resulting in oxidative stress and redox imbalance. To counteract these effects, antioxidant defense systems and heat shock proteins are activated, contributing to cellular protection and metabolic stabilization. This review integrates current evidence on cold stress induced alterations in energy distribution, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and heat shock protein responses in poultry. Furthermore, nutritional and management strategies aimed at mitigating cold stress are discussed. Understanding cold stress as a controllable metabolic challenge provides a framework for improving productivity, meat quality, and resilience in poultry under cold environments.