February 3, 2014

 
Cold spell kills more livestock in Negros Occidental, Philippines
 

Due to the cold spell, nearly 500 more farm animals in Negros Occidental, Philippines have died, a report by the Provincial Veterinarian's Office showed.
 

As of Wednesday last week (Jan 29), a total of 28 barangays have been affected and losses have reached PHP3.09 million (US$68,000).

Provincial Veterinarian Renante J. Decena said a total of 592 farm animals have died since January 2. Hardest hit was the poultry industry as at least 486 game-fowl and egg-laying chickens, with a total value of PHP2.2 million (US$48,500), have died.

Other fatalities were 49 sheep, 38 swine, nine goats, seven cattle and three carabaos, all valued at about PHP894,000 (US$20,000).

Since January 2, the temperature in Negros Occidental has been recorded between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius. To mitigate the effects of cold weather on these livestock, Decena advised raisers to provide adequate housing, feeds and care by constructing barns and having hay or silage and other items as heat insulators.

He also advised ruminant raisers to cut and carry grass during bad weather and not tether the animals in the fields, while gamecock raisers should construct closed facilities during typhoons and cold weather, or provide heaters.