What prolonged extreme heat means for Malaysia’s poultry: Growth slows, eggs dip, but no automatic shortage

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 — Malaysia is preparing for intensified El Niño conditions, which could impact the country's poultry industry, especially if extreme heat persists for prolonged periods. Potential consequences include slower growth in broiler chickens, reduced egg production, and increased mortality, which may put pressure on the chicken and egg supply.

However, poultry experts and farmers emphasize that extreme heat alone does not guarantee a national shortage. The severity and duration of the heat, as well as the preparedness of farms, will determine the impact on production. Professor Datuk Zulkifli Idrus, director of the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security at Universiti Putra Malaysia, stated that a brief heatwave is unlikely to significantly disrupt national supply, but prolonged, widespread extreme heat is the main concern.

Heat stress can lead to slower growth in broiler chickens, as they consume less feed during hot weather and have difficulty dissipating excess body heat. This can result in lower feed efficiency and reduced growth rates. Severe heat stress may also cause higher mortality, particularly among heavier birds nearing market weight, if they cannot effectively cool down.

While laying hens are generally more heat-tolerant than broilers, prolonged heat exposure can still negatively affect their productivity by reducing feed intake and hindering egg development. The impact on Malaysia's chicken supply may not be immediate, as slower growth and higher mortality could lead to delayed market weight and reduced availability.

However, if the effects occur simultaneously across many farms, overall supply could be affected. Poultry farmers advise against directly attributing a chicken shortage to hot weather and instead emphasize the importance of farm preparedness. Factors such as proper ventilation, cooling systems, water supply, and nutritional strategies can help chickens withstand heat stress.

Farmers should begin preparing early, rather than waiting until chickens show signs of heat stress, to minimize potential impacts on production.