Heat stress is responsible for considerable economic losses such as reduction in body weight gain, loss in egg production, high mortality rates as a substantial volume of body water is lost via evaporative cooling methods such as panting from the body. Heat stress occurs mainly during summer months when environmental temperatures are higher than the temperature at which birds are comfortable.

When birds/animals are exposed to high ambient temperatures,extra ions must be replenished continuously to maintain the osmotic balance of the cell. External electrolyte supplementation ensures proper replenishment of lost ions from the body. Vitamin C helps in alleviating heat stress by reducing cortisol and ADH level.

The balancing of electrolytes in poultry feed is essential in order to spare the bird from utilizing energy in attempting to do the same in metabolizing the feed. Apart from salts such as Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bi-carbonate and Potassium Chloride etc., Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium and Chloride) are also derived from feed raw materials. Electrolytes are further derived from feed additives like Chloride from Lysine Hydrochloride, Choline Chloride etc. A proper dietary electrolyte balance is essential to ensure an optimum acid-base equilibrium and improved performance through proper muscle coordination, heart function, excretion, nerve function and fluid absorption.