February 25, 2010
Philippine poultry among hardest hit by El Niño
A joint study by Philippine agricultural agencies and the Embassy of Israel said the local poultry industry is seen to be one of the hardest hit by the drought which the Philippines is currently experiencing.
Due to lack of sweat of glands, fowl may suffer from excessive heat as they do not perspire.
Fowl convulse and die when exposed to extreme heat.
According to the study, the most obvious sign of heat stress is panting. Severe panting takes a lot of energy and ultimately results in death because of heat exhaustion, it said.
Temperatures above 18 to 24 degrees Celsius will also affect the growth and feeding habits of fowl, as well as their egg production. The size of the egg and the shell quality will also suffer. Moreover, the hatching rate of chicks will also be affected.
The report advises the adoption of heat management practices such as providing adequate drinking water, avoiding overcrowding of poultry houses, and keeping the ground below poultry houses manure-free.
"Manure will restrict the airflow and produce additional heat through the natural decaying process... More water is consumed by birds during hot weather in order to prevent dehydration. Cool drinking water stimulates both feed and water intake," the study said.
Also, painting the poultry house roof with reflective paint, particularly non-insulated houses, will reduce radiation.
Hanging shade nets and curtains on the sides of the poultry house will also reduce heat. Planting shade trees like acacia, mahogany, and gmelina will also reduce radiated heat.
Sprinklers and fans may also be installed in poultry houses. Ceilings may also be lined with insulators such as urethan foam and expanded polystryrone.
