Thus, heat-related stress may induce a metabolic requirement for bicarbonate. Under such conditions, the bird can benefit from being fed diets containing sodium bicarbonate or sodium sesquicarbonate such that these products supply ~ 50% of dietary sodium. Furthermore, nutritional intervention by feeding diets containing a dietary electrolyte balance (DEB; as defined by sodium + potassium – chloride) of 220-240 mEq/kg can be beneficial in reducing heat-related mortality and improving growth during hot weather.