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4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 13 AUGUST 2023 NEWS Smaller chicken eggs? Blame the heat and power cuts MARIANNA CALLEJA AS a scorching heatwave tightened its grip on Malta over the past weeks, farmers faced significant chal- lenges in maintaining their livestock amidst relent- less power cuts. The impact of a prolonged heatwave, coupled with the erratic power supply, has been distressing for an- imals and is likely to cause a decline in animal prod- ucts across the region. Karl Scerri, a farmer who specialises in chicken rearing, expressed concern over the dire situation faced by animals who faced soaring temperatures. "If you have baby chicks, you'll want a temperature of 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, whereas for adult chick- ens, a room temperature of up to 20 degrees Celsius is required," Scerri explained, outlining the difference between having chicklets or adult chickens. To combat the power cuts, he acquired a generator to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply to his farm, an expense that highlights the further strain on the tight budgets of farmers. "I also bought a voltage stabiliser, so that everything works well even at low voltage," Scerri added. Scerri said he had thankfully not experienced any casualties among his livestock but knew of other farmers that have. "I had no deaths," he said, refer- ring to the measures he took to safeguard his animals during this challenging period. Extreme weather conditions can take a toll on chickens, that can fall victim to heat stress under high temperatures. "Egg production has decreased. An egg-laying hen does not lay eggs under hot condi- tions," Scerri said. This decline in egg production, like many other products affected by rising planetary heat, affects the availability of essential animal products. Another farmer, who chose to stay anonymous, says heat stress is a main factor for smaller eggs, or so-called "fairy eggs". "They are smaller than regular eggs, usually round- er, like a ping pong ball. If the chicken is still growing, she can even lay eggs as small as a grape," he said. Both farmers say heatwaves also impact the growth of their chickens destined for human consumption. The second farmer, who also owns cows and pigs, expressed his concern about constant and prolonged power cuts. "Pigs for example, suffer a lot during these periods. It's like how humans suffer from a heat stroke." To cool down the livestock, he uses water sprinklers that are operated using timers. Even cows are affected, as their feed relies on auto- matic computer systems. "Even other machinery, like milk coolers," he added with worry, "cannot function without power." Farrugia fears that the heatwave's persistence may exacerbate the issues he is currently facing. "If the heat persists, I might experience problems, maybe from mid-August onwards," he expressed, with a sense of worry for the future. mcalleja@mediatoday.com.mt Heat led to chickens laying smaller eggs (File photo) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 The presence of the stone mark- er at the minister's house raised questions on the legality of its possession. The oblong stone dates back to the British rule and bears the inscription Victoria Re- gina on it. In replies to MaltaToday, the police neither confirmed nor de- nied information on the possible arraignment of the minister in relation to the stone marker in- vestigation. Questions sent to the ministry were ignored as Refalo also avoid- ed media scrutiny during an un- publicised event to inaugurate the grape harvesting season. On 8 August, former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi claimed that the Attorney General and police were instructed not to take action against Refalo. In a Facebook post, Azzopardi quoted unnamed sources telling him sufficient evidence had been collected to charge the minister. According to the former MP, Re- falo was allegedly asked to resign from his post by the Prime Minis- ter but he refused. Government silent as Refalo shies away from public eye After Azzopardi made his alle- gations, Refalo attended the offi- cial opening the grape harvesting season without inviting the media to the event. When asked why the media was not invited, the Office of the Prime Minister did not reply. Similarly, no reply came from the ministry as to why no press call was issued. It remains unclear whether the historical artefact is still in Refa- lo's private residence. Questions to this effect were also ignored as where others asking whether the minister had been spoken to by the Prime Minister. When the stone marker case erupted last year, Refalo claimed to have invited the Superintend- ence for Cultural Heritage to his home on 18 February 2022 so they could see the artefact. Refalo claimed that "every- one knows" his love for Maltese cultural and historical heritage, defending himself by saying he would do his utmost to promote its preservation. However, he never explained how the artefact ended up in his house. Sources privvy to the political machinations in Gozo said Refalo is adamant on not resigning, leav- ing the Prime Minister with his hands tied. "In Gozo, the Labour Party has lost its lustre and if Robert Abela removes Refalo from minister it will be another blow on the dis- trict since there is no natural suc- cessor to Refalo, apart from Clint Camilleri, who is already Gozo minister," the sources said. Additional reporting by Kurt Sansone Police mum on minister's possible arraignment in court