January 10, 2011

Broiler chicks die as cold wave hits poultry farms in India

Severe cold climate has affected poultry farms in Junnar Taluka, India, with some three hundred thousand broiler chicks dying taking the estimated loss to around INR75 lakh (US$164,982).

Madhukar Vibhute, chairman of the Junnar Taluka Poultry Association, said, "We have never witnessed such severe cold wave earlier. The cold is affecting the food intake of the chicks and chickens as well. The fewer intakes are resulting in the death of chicks. The Taluka has some 1.5 million chickens. The firms that supply chicken to metros have formed agreements with the farmers for chicken breeding. However, the chicks that the farmers had bought recently for breeding died in the sudden cold wave."

Generally, the winter season sees more demand for eggs and chicken. Hence, many farmers had bought chicks. Had they all been alive, they would have been ready for sale in another 40 days.

Now, farmers are taking up precautionary measures by covering the poultry shelter with plastic sheets and other material that would keep the shed warm, said Vibhute.

"Unfortunately, the power supply here is irregular. Otherwise, electric bulbs, which generate heat, were generally used inside poultry shelters. Some farmers are using electric heaters, but such efforts are limited as everyone cannot afford it."