Charoen Pokphand Foods PCL (CPF) gives useful tips to the farmer for helping their livestock comfortable in the heat of Thai summer.

CPF Vice-President for Animal Health Dr. Narin Romlamduan suggested the farmers to prepare enough water for using in the farm. 

Swine Breeder farm with Evaporative Air Cooling System requires at least 130 ml of water a day for each pig while swine fattening farm require 40 ml of water a day. It is difficult for pigs to breath in a hot weather. Long period of hot weather may also causes of abortion in the pig.

In chicken farm, the amount of food should be doubled from usual in the summer. If the chicken’s weight drop more than 20%, it will result stress and other symptom such as low immunity, slow growth and loss of appetite. In the worst case, the chicken could die if it lost water over 10% of its weight.

The quality of water must be taken into account. The ideal water source is ground water

“Even though most of the farmers are using EVAP system to run the farm, The system require continuous maintenance to make sure that there is no leak. Water spray can also reduce the heat. However, the farmer must make sure that the floor is not too wet” Dr. Narin said.

Senior Vice President Adit Krisanawong of CPF suggested the fish farmers to reduce number of fish by 30% in summer in order for the fish to stay comfortably since the heat can reduce amount of Oxygen in the pond. Covering the pond can help reducing the temperature and stress from overexposure.