Technologies- El Niño

(Livestock Sector)

  

Practical Ways of Alleviating Heat 

Stress in Swine and Poultry 
 


Description

 

Heat affects the health and the productive and reproductive performances of animals. Thus, any method to eliminate heat and lessen its negative effect should be implemented. Provision of cool, clear water is probably the most important thing livestock producers can do to help animals overcome heat stress. However, it is important to store water prior to the onset of El Niño. Other management procedures such as housing, nutrition, and breeding practices, can be manipulated to adapt to the change in environment.

 

Requirements for Adoption

a. Minimum

  • stored sufficient water

  • jute sacks, flour or sugar bags or any other materials such as old clothes that absorb water

  • sprinkler or hose or other improvisations

  • ventilating fans

  • paint

b. Support System

  • vaccination and disease prevention program

A regular vaccination program in the farm must be observed. However, unnecessary stress to the animals during vaccination should be avoided. Antistress supplements (multivitamin-mineral-electrolyte preparations) should be given via the drinking water two days before and three days after each vaccination.

 

Advantages

  • Productive and reproductive performances of the animals are maintained or improved even during hot weather conditions.

Limitations

  • entails additional cost for ventilating fans and sprinklers

Recommendations

 

Ventilation system

  • In naturally ventilated houses, make sure that the curtains are completely open and air movement is unobstructed by plants or crops growing too close to the house. Cut grass and weeds around the house and make sure that there are no vegetation above 6 in high within 50 ft of the house. Cut all low-hanging limbs from trees located near the poultry house.

  • Remove cars, machinery, trash, or debris that may be reflecting heat into the house. Good grass or evenly-mowed weeds around the house will reflect less heat into the house than bare ground. Extend roof overhangs, if necessary, to keep direct sunlight out of the house.

  • Clean fans and make sure that these all function properly. Make sure that belts are tight and blades are clean.

  • Clean air louvers and screen around the house. Make sure roof ventilation openings are clean and unobstructed.

  • Continue ventilating at night. Cooling the birds sufficiently at night increases their ability to withstand the heat of the next day.

  • Give feed during the cooler period of the day when the animal is more comfortable.

  • Install fans, if possible. The fan capacity must be sufficient to provide a minimum of
    4 ft3/minute per bird. Make sure that fan guards are in place and in good condition. Before installing fans, make sure that the electrical system can support the additional load.

  • Whitewash or paint the roof with reflective paint, particularly on uninsulated houses. The procedure will reflect heat on insulated houses. However, it will not be as effective in cooling the interior of the house.

  • If attic insulation is inadequate, use a roof sprinkler during hot afternoons. Use perforated irrigated hose on the roof, if necessary. Make sure that the system is adjusted properly. Check the capacity to determine whether there is adequate water for both watering the birds and spray-cooling the roof. Practice intermittent sprinkling, 1-2 minutes every half-hour.

  • Whenever practical, especially in small animal sheds or houses, overlay roofing with either rice straw, cogon, or whole palm leaves to minimize heat radiated inside the house.

  • Do not practice fogging unless ventilation is sufficient to provide at least 6 ft3/minute of air movement per bird.

  • Collect manure regularly. Accumulated manure will generate heat and gases, which is detrimental to the health of animals.

Watering system

  • Increase drinking space, especially for breeders, floor-grown pullets, and broilers. Place additional drinkers on the floor. Refill these tubs with fresh water during the hot part of the day to ensure that the birds have plenty of cool drinking water.

  • Increase the frequency and amount of water flow in trough systems. The last hens in cage rows where intermittent watering is used should have water for at least 10 minutes each time the system is on. Be certain that the pump and well can support the demand for the increased water.

  • In layer houses, be alert of layers that die with their heads in water troughs. These, either, obstruct the amount of water flowing to the rest of the house or cause overflow.

  • If there is a filter on the watering system, make sure it is clean and the water flow is not restricted.

  • Flush closed water systems at least two times daily to remove hot water from the pipes. Water in plastic pipes with closed watering systems will quickly approach the temperature of the ambient air around the pipe. Make sure the well and the pump can support the requirements of the animals.

Management of animals

  • Always provide animals with clean water. Used tires may be used as water containers. Avoid the accumulation of wastes in water containers to prevent bacteria, other microorganisms, and parasites from thriving in container and aggravate stress caused by prolonged heat.

  • Place wet jute sacks, flour, or sugar bags on the floor of chicken pens during peak heat of the day for birds to lie on. This will help in the dissipation of heat from their body.

  • Give antistress supplements (multivitamin-mineral-electrolyte) via the feed or drinking water to withstand heat stress.

  • Provide ventilating fans to increase air circulation.

 

Management of animals during transport

  • Avoid close confinement of animals such as those in sorting, holding pens, and trucks to prevent stress caused by hot weather

  • Provide bedding such as sawdust and/or shavings or wet bedding in the vehicle.

  • Place fewer animals in the truck to allow greater air movement.

  • Keep animals in position for free air circulation.

  • Sprinkle soft mist to dissipate heat from their body.

  • Provide shade, if possible.

  • Keep all handling stress at a minimum

  • Do not debeak, castrate, or dehorn until the stress is through.

  • Make water readily available for drinking.

  • Plan your livestock handling and shipping activities during early morning or late afternoon.

Possible Areas of Application

  • all livestock-producing areas affected by prolonged heat or El Niño episodes

 

Dysfunctional Consequences

  • Shock could set in if large amounts of cold water are used to suddenly cool the animals, especially after exposing to too much heat after transport.

 

Sources of Technology

  • farmers’ practices

  • studies and researches

References

 

Animal Dairy Science. Reducing heat stress. Mississippi State University. February 27, 1999. - (downloaded through the internet).

Brightwell, E.; Lawrence, L. Ample water, feed, shade help deal with heat stress. University of Kentucky-College of Agriculture. - (downloaded through the internet).

Farmers’ practices

Keown, J.F.; Grant, R.J. How to reduce heat stress in dairy cattle. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Agricultural publication G3620-reviewed October 1, 1993.

Leman, A.D.,; Straw, B. ; Glock, R.D. ; Mengeling, W.L.; Penny, R.H.C.; Scholl, E. Diseases of swine. 6th edition. Iowa State University Press, Ames, Iowa, 1986. pp. 119-120, 125-128.

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development. The Philippines recommends for animal health. Los Baños, Laguna: PCARRD, 1998.

Pitcher, P.S. Introduction to swine facilities and health concerns. Facility design and health interactions. University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. - (downloaded through the internet).

Shearer, J.K.; Bray, D.R.; Buckler, R.A. The management of heat stress in dairy cattle: What we have learned in Florida. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. - (downloaded through the internet).
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