• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The stunted growth of chickens and farm animals has been noted by the Provincial Veterinarian Office in Negros Occidental, a probable effect of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon.
However, only a small number are affected by the extreme heat, according to Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Placeda Lemana.
Lemana also said that they have not monitored mortalities in the hogs and livestock sector, and that there is no drop in the production of eggs, although sizes are becoming smaller.
No more jumbo eggs for now, Lemana said, noting that chickens tend to drink more water than eat feeds, resulting in their stunted growth.
Lemana advised farmers to have their ruminants, or grass eating animals, drink much water, mixed with either sugar or molasses, for extra energy.
At the same time, she also encouraged poultry raisers to reduce the volume, or number of chickens, for better ventilation.*
