Thermal manipulation during egg incubation in broiler chickens: A scientometric analysis

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Animal Physiology
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Poultry productivity is significantly impacted by heat stress.
• Embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) offers a potential strategy to mitigate these adverse effects.
• Understanding the scientific landscape of embryonic TM is crucial for advancing poultry welfare and productivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scientometric analysis of the literature on embryonic TM in broilers.
• To identify trends, geographic distribution, influential research, and multidisciplinary connections.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of the research field.

Main Methods:

• Searched Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, and Web of Science databases in December 2024.
• Utilized keywords related to thermal manipulation, incubation, and broilers.
• Analyzed 195 publications (1994-2024) using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer.

Main Results:

• Scientific output has sharply increased since 2015 (71% of publications).
• Key themes include thermotolerance, heat stress, performance, and hatchability.
• Emerging themes involve gene expression, antioxidant and immune responses, and acute heat stress.

Conclusions:

• Embryonic TM is a growing area of research for improving broiler heat stress resilience.
• Research networks show limited interconnection, suggesting opportunities for collaboration.
• Future research should integrate TM with genetic, nutritional, and environmental strategies for enhanced sustainability.