Oppressive heatwave burns livestock, poultry sectors!

The ongoing extended heatwave lasting 26 days has been impacting the livestock and poultry sector, resulting in chicken mortality and reduced production of eggs, milk, and meat.

The price of Sonali chicken has risen from Tk350 to Tk380 per kg within a week in the capital, attributed to a supply shortage at the wholesale levels.

Mofijul Islam, from Mayer Doa Chicken in Mirpur 12, said, “Poultry farm owners are selling small chickens weighing around 700-800 grams out of fear of mortality. The supply crunch induced by the heat wave has raised the price of Sonali chicken to Tk380 per kg."

According to the Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA), marginal farmers have incurred substantial losses totalling an estimated Tk200 crore over the last 10 days due to the ongoing severe heat wave sweeping across the country.

The dire situation is leading to the deaths of over one lakh chickens daily which may push up both chicken and egg prices, said Sumon Howlader, president of the Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA).

He claimed that the marginal farmers have suffered losses as they don’t have modern shade.

A total of 4,313 chickens have been died on Thursday, Friday and Saturday across the country, according to the data compiled by the Department of Livestock Service (DLS). 

Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association General Secretary Shah Emran said, “Milk production has decreased by 40% on our farms due to excessive heat. Cows that were previously providing 10 litres of milk per day are now yielding only 6 litres. Consequently, the average cost of production has increased.”

“The meat production of cows has also decreased by 40% to 50% as the animals are not consuming enough feed due to the heat waves,” he said, adding that many animals are also falling sick.

He mentioned that 98% of farmers are at the marginal level and lack fans or modern equipment to protect their animals.

“Apart from this, those who are rearing animals given the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha are also facing losses, because it has become difficult to maintain the prescribed weight of the animal.”

Dr Md Shahinur Alam, director (Extension) of DLS, said, “The severe heat wave has been affecting the livestock and poultry sector across the country.

“Domestic animals have reduced consumption during heat waves usually 10am to 3pm for this their production may be hampered. Milk production of the cow also be reduced slightly during the prevailing severe heat wave than the regular time,” he said.

“We are suggesting farm owners, marginal farmers and small farmers to feed their animals during morning and evening hours. Keeping the animal sheds cool with fogging water on the roof or applying it in a limited manner on the animal’s body can help mitigate the effects of the heat wave.”

“We have received reports of poultry deaths during the scorching heat in some farms. Marginal farmers with limited modern facilities are particularly affected by the heat wave. DLS is extending support to help them safeguard their livestock from the heat wave,” he added.

Fazlul Hamid Tamim owner of Toioba Agro Farm at Faridpur Sadar said that each day 4-5 pieces of Sonali chicken have died per day at his farm.

A total of 269 Sonali Chicken died in the last couple of weeks at his farm, he said adding that 1,200 out of 2,100 broiler chicks died at his neighbour’s farm on Saturday.

Chickens have been dying in many farms across the country due to the ongoing heat wave while the production of eggs, milk and meat also declining.

Meantionable, chickens have been perishing in numerous farms across the country due to the ongoing heat wave, leading to a decline in the production of eggs, milk, and meat.