# Malaysia chicken farmers beat El Niño heat with ice and fans

> Malaysian chicken farmers use ice, fans and cooling pads to combat El Niño heat stress ahead of 40°C temperatures
- Title: Malaysia chicken farmers beat El Niño heat with ice and fans
- Summary: Malaysian chicken farmers use ice, fans and cooling pads to combat El Niño heat stress ahead of 40°C temperatures Farmers use cooling pads, exhaust fans and…
- Keywords: malaysia, chicken, el nino, poultry, closed-house, cooling pads, exhaust fans, broiler, heat stress, muzamri shoib, selangor poultry farmers association, agriculture committee
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/09/18/ice-fans-and-cooling-pads-how-malaysias-chicken-farmers-are-beating-el-nino-heat/235301
- Author: Muhammad Yusry
- Published: 2026-09-18T07:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: malaysia, chicken, el nino, poultry, closed-house, cooling pads, exhaust fans, broiler, heat stress, muzamri shoib, selangor poultry farmers association, agriculture committee
## Farmers face El Niño heat
Malaysia could face 40°C temperatures from January to May 2027 due to El Niño.

> With a very strong El Niño expected to develop towards the end of this year, Malaysia could face extreme heat and dry weather from January to May 2027, with temperatures potentially reaching 40°C, according to MetMalaysia.
## Closed-house cooling systems
Farmers use cooling pads and exhaust fans to regulate temperature in chicken farms.

> His farm has two closed-house poultry buildings, one with two levels and another with a single level, both equipped with cooling pads and exhaust fans designed to keep temperatures under control.
## Cooling pad mechanics
Water circulates through cooling pads to lower air temperature before exhaust fans pull air out.

> The cooling pads line the walls of the buildings, with water pumped from large tanks and circulated through them before air is drawn through and cooled.
## Chickens' heat vulnerability
Chickens cannot sweat like humans and rely on panting to cool down during heat.

> Chickens are particularly vulnerable to prolonged heat because they could not sweat like humans.
## Heat stress effects
Heat stress reduces feed intake, slows growth and increases mortality risk in chickens.

> For broilers, some of the common concerns include reduced feed intake, slower growth, poorer feed conversion ratio and an increased risk of mortality if temperature and ventilation are not properly controlled.
## Ice reservoir strategy
Farmers use ice reservoirs to cool water circulating through cooling pads during peak heat.

> He buys bags of ice and puts them into a reservoir through which water passes before being pumped towards the cooling pads.
## Water and supplements
Farmers provide chickens with rock sugar and other supplements to help cool their bodies.

> We also provide chickens with drinks that can help cool their bodies, including rock sugar and other additional supplements, to help regulate their body temperature.
## Prolonged heat risks
Chickens face heat stress when temperatures exceed 26°C, especially with high humidity.

> Adult chickens generally begin to experience heat stress when temperatures rise above about 26 degrees Celsius, particularly when humidity is high.
## Broiler vulnerability
Broilers become heavy quickly and generate more body heat, making them vulnerable to heat stress.

> Modern broilers become heavy quickly and generate considerable body heat, making birds approaching market weight particularly vulnerable when temperatures rise.
## Smartphone controls
Farmers plan to use smartphone apps to monitor and adjust cooling systems remotely.

> He is looking to upgrade it so the same functions can be managed through a smartphone.
## Power supply risks
Power failures during extreme heat can stop cooling systems, causing heat stress.

> A power failure during extreme heat can be particularly dangerous in a closed-house system because the ventilation and cooling systems can stop at the moment they are most needed.
## Laying hens affected
Laying hens experience reduced egg production and poorer egg quality during heat stress.

> Reduced feed intake means fewer nutrients and less energy are available for egg production, while prolonged heat exposure can interfere with reproductive processes.
## Prevention focus
Farmers prioritize regular maintenance of cooling systems to prevent heat stress.

> Fans, cooling pads, water pumps, sensors, generators and water supplies need to be inspected and maintained more frequently.
## Heat stress timeline
Chickens face heat stress when temperatures exceed 26°C, with severe effects at 32°C+.

> The risk becomes considerably greater once temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius and above.
## Long-term preparation
Farmers maintain cooling systems through regular checks to handle prolonged heat events.

> With the heat expected to intensify, those preparations could become increasingly important.
## Key takeaway

Farmers use cooling pads, exhaust fans and ice reservoirs to maintain chicken health during extreme heat