PETALING JAYA: A prolonged haze could affect poultry health and production, though Malaysian farmers have yet to report any significant impact from the current conditions.
Malaysia Poultry Association secretary Muhammad Al-Iman Zain explained that an extended exposure to haze could potentially place respiratory stress on poultry.
He said fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 and PM10 could add to existing dust and ammonia levels inside poultry houses, potentially affecting birds’ feed intake, growth and egg production.
“This is a concern across all poultry keeping, from backyard heritage flocks to exhibition birds.”
However, he stressed that there were no aggregated figures available on production losses linked to the current haze.
Among breeders and exhibition-bird keepers he said measures to minimise the haze effects included reducing birds’ exposure during periods of heavier haze and providing adequate shelter for those normally kept in open areas.
“Ensuring adequate ventilation without letting the bad air in is important, as is keeping water supplies topped up.”
If haze conditions worsened, Al-Iman said early air-quality alerts and continued access to veterinary support from the Department of Veterinary Services would be useful.
Federation of Livestock Farmers’ Association of Malaysia broiler unit chairman Kwei Yew Tong said poultry farms had not observed any significant changes in the health, behaviour or production of chickens due to the current haze.
“At this moment, no,” he said.
“For now, there is no reason to believe the current haze has affected poultry production.”
