LAHORE, June 24: The current heatwave which has gripped most parts of the Punjab, would not in any way affect poultry supply in the country as it has not caused any adverse effect on the poultry farming.

Pakistan Poultry Association (Punjab zone) chairman Dr Hasan Sarosh Akram said on Friday the heatwave has slightly damaged poultry production, but did not cause any major loss because the farmers adopted precautionary measures well in time.

He rejected reports of loss of millions of birds due to hot weather. “The reports are not based on facts as there is neither any authentic source quoted nor there are any details about the casualties of birds due to weather conditions.”

Quoting estimates of his association, Mr Akram said the birds which were at protected farms remained completely safe. However, the farms at open houses which were not properly protected have suffered some loss which would not affect the supply.

Major areas where poultry suffered loss included parts of Karachi and central Punjab, he said, adding the other parts remained completely normal.

Mr Akram said the “parent stock” of poultry birds which is most essential to produce and increase poultry birds is completely safe.

He said the poultry demand in recent days has shown a substantial decline.

However, the supply remained the same as it was before the start of summer.

Poultry expert Dr Abdul Hayee Mehta said due to high prices the poultry farmers have taken extra care to protect their birds. That was the reason the loss was not alarming, he added.

He suggested that use of desert coolers and other modern techniques to keep the temperature inside the farms low, would help save the birds and avoid loss to farmers.

Poultry farmers from Narang Mandi in Sheikhupura district, Ishaq Rajput and Tariq Bajwa, said they were successfully protecting birds from heat by using traditional methods.

They said they have not faced any major loss despite hot weather as they have taken steps to keep temperature in their farms low.—APP