• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Stunted growth of chickens and other farm animals have been noted by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in Negros Occidental due to effects of El Niño phenomenon.
However, only a small number has been affected by extreme heat, Dr. Placeda Lemana, provincial veterinarian, said.
Lemana also said that they have not monitored mortalities in hogs and other animals in the livestock sector.
There is no drop in production of eggs, although the sizes are now getting smaller so no more jumbo eggs for now, the PVO chief said.
Lemana pointed out that chickens tend to drink more water than eat feeds, resulting to their stunted growth.
She advised farmers to have their ruminants, or grass eating animals, drink a lot of water, mixed with either sugar or molasses, to give them extra energy.
Lemana also encouraged poultry raisers to reduce volume, or number of chickens in one area, for them to have ventilation. | GB
