With hot weather prevailing, the temperature has crossed 102.2 degree Fahrenheit on Thursday. A press release from Agromet Field Unit of Veterinary College and Research Institute and Regional Meteorological Centre, Chennai, indicated maximum and minimum temperatures of 102.2 degree Fahrenheit and 84.2 degree Fahrenheit respectively.
Wind, Humidity & Temperature
Wind speed was around 5 km per hour, mostly from southeast direction, with humidity between 30 to 72 percent.
Chennai Agromet: avoid feeding poultry during the hottest part of the day
Summer Stress & Feed Intake
The release noted that increased summer stress in poultry results in decreased feed intake and egg weight. When daily feed intake drops to 100 grams per bird or below, farmers should provide artificial lighting during cooler hours, particularly from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., to improve feed consumption.
"This will improve the feed intake in poultry."
— Agromet Field Unit press release
Cool Water & Feeding Window
Farmers were advised to avoid feeding between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. and ensure birds have access to cool water throughout the day.