PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) -- The Provincial Veterinary Office (ProVet) of Palawan wants to facilitate training on producing alternative food sources that growers could stock to be fed to farm animals in times of extreme heat.
Dr. Darius Mangcucang, provincial veterinary officer, observed that the livestock industry is affected by the extreme heat caused by the prevailing El Niño phenomenon. Animals lose weight due to the impact of heat on their food sources.
“Pero itong mga pagdating ng tag-ulan, we will try to conduct ng training kung paano magagawan ng alternative na pagkain na pwede nila stock. Para during mga ganitong panahon ay meron silang ipapakain,” he said.
[But this coming rainy season, we will try to conduct training on how to produce an alternative food they could stock. So they have a food source to feed animals during times like this.]
Even though no casualties have yet been recorded on large and farm animals, ProVet advised the municipal agriculture offices to avoid exposing animals to scorching heat.
Dr. Darius Mangcucang, provincial veterinary officer during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Photo from PIO Facebook Page)
The city of Puerto Princesa recorded 46 degrees Celsius on April 22, which is the highest yet for the city in 2024, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The extreme heat also causes some water bodies to dry, which is needed for large animals like carabaos to cool themselves and lessen thermal stress.
Carabaos are one of the most vulnerable animals due to the impact of the current weather condition, along with hogs and poultry, whose housing is in need of good ventilation.
“Ina-advise din namin ang MAO— kasi may cases din tayo ng heat stroke, wag nila masyado ihantad sa init ang mga alagang hayop. Kasi ngayon problema tayo sa supply ng tubig, halos walang matubugan ang mga kalabaw,” he said.
[We also advise MAO--because we have cases of heat stroke, they should not expose the animals too much to scorching heat. Our problem now is the supply of water; there is not much area for carabaos to cool themselves.] (RG/PIA Mimaropa - Palawan)
BANNER PHOTO COURTESY OF PALAWAN PROVINCIAL VETERINARY OFFICE
