Gangjin-gun Actively Promotes Prevention of Livestock Heatwave Damage

Operation of Focused Technical Support Period Until August 12, Direct Visits to Demonstration Farms Planned

[Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su] The Jeonnam Gangjin-gun Agricultural Technology Center has prepared a "Summer Livestock Disaster Prevention Plan" to prevent damage to livestock farms such as livestock deaths and productivity decline caused by this summer's heatwave, and has begun efforts to prevent damage.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the Jeonnam region has experienced early tropical nights since the 27th of last month, making it hotter than last year, with a high possibility of localized heavy rain, and it is forecasted to be affected by 2 to 3 typhoons.

The Agricultural Technology Center has designated the period until August 12, when heatwave damage is most concerning, as the "focused technical support period," and plans to visit farms in areas vulnerable to livestock damage as well as pilot and demonstration farms to identify improvements and suggest solutions.

In particular, livestock vulnerable to heat begin to experience heat stress when temperatures persist above 30℃, leading to reduced feed intake, growth retardation, reproductive disorders, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of death.

To minimize heat stress, the center is actively promoting and guiding farms on livestock management tips during heatwaves, including inspection of electrical facilities in the livestock sector, attaching insulation materials to barn roofs, implementing ventilation inside barns, installing water spraying devices on barn roofs, removing manure, and maintaining cleanliness.

In summer, it is necessary to provide livestock with sufficient cool water and supply vitamins, metabolic stimulants, or trace minerals such as calcium and salt. If livestock show symptoms of heatstroke or sunstroke, they should be stabilized in a cool and well-ventilated place and promptly referred to a veterinarian for treatment.

Choi Young-a, head of the Research and Development Division, said, "We will intensively promote summer livestock feeding and hygiene management guidelines to prevent heatwave damage to livestock farms and strengthen on-site farm guidance and inspections."

Gangjin=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-su gabrielw@asiae.co.kr