Chickens are dying in many farms due to the ongoing heatwave, while egg, milk and meat production is on the decline for the same reason.
Although there is already a campaign to save animal resources from the ongoing heatwave, livestock experts and farmers say production may decrease by 10 per cent – 25 per cent due to the searing heat.
They added that because of the heat, the tendency of animals and birds to eat decreases. The scarcity of water also becomes an issue. This is especially the case with poultry chicken. As a result, the animals and birds suffer protein deficiency and electrolyte imbalance.
These factors pose a negative impact on production.
Meanwhile, an organisation called the Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA) has claimed that marginalised farmers have suffered a loss of Tk 200 crore in the last 10 days due to the intense heat.
The Department of livestock (DLS) however said so far there is no estimate of the damage to livestock and animal resources due to the searing heat. This information may be available on Sunday or Monday. Instructions have been given to send information at the field level.
DLS Director (Production) Dr ABM Khaleduzzaman said, “Due to the lack of food and water in the body of animals and birds, the production of milk, eggs and meat decreases during the intense heat and it can be up to 10 per cent.
“Cattle that gain an average of 900-1,000 grams of meat daily may lose up to 100-150 grams.”
He added, “However, we have already started promoting ways to save animals from heat and maintain optimal production. If our instructions are followed, we are optimistic the farmers will not incur losses.
“So far we do not have any information about the number of chickens or animals that have died in the farms. However, we have been instructed to provide information at the field level. This information will be available in two to three days.”
Chicken farmers said around 30 per cent of chickens in every farm are dying due to heatwaves.
On top of that, the demand for eggs in the market has also decreased due to excessive heat. As a result, they are selling eggs at a loss. Although the production cost of each egg is more than Tk 10, eggs are being sold at Tk 8 each at farms.
Cattle farmers are also witnessing a similar situation, industry insiders say.
Bangladesh Dairy Farmers Association President Imran Hossain said, “According to our calculation, milk production has decreased by 25 per cent in our farms due to excessive heat. As a result, the average cost of production is increasing.
“Apart from this, those who are rearing animals in view of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha are also facing losses, because it has become difficult to maintain the prescribed weight of the animal. Our target is to gain 1,000-1,500 grams of weight for each cattle per day, but on the contrary the cattle weight is increasing by only 700-800 grams.”
Farmers have also complained that the Department of livestock has yet to take any action to mitigate the ongoing situation. They said 80 per cent of the milk and meat producers are marginalised farmers. But no awareness programme has been taken for them as yet.
