Heat Wave and El Niño Impact Egg Sizes in Manila

In Sta. Cruz, Manila, market-goers have noticed a shift towards smaller egg sizes, with peewee, extra-small, and small eggs becoming more prevalent. According to a report by Bernadette Reyes on “24 Oras,” this size reduction has also influenced the market prices, making larger eggs more expensive while smaller ones have become cheaper.

Florence Padilla, an egg wholesaler, noted that these smaller eggs, previously rare, are now more commonly available at lower prices. The main cause of the shrinking egg sizes has been attributed to the current heat wave, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which is affecting local poultry. Francis Uyhara, president of the Philippine Egg Brand Association, explained that the intense heat diminishes the chickens’ appetite, which in turn reduces the size of the eggs they produce.

To combat these effects, egg producers are adopting various strategies. Uyhara mentioned that adding supplements such as electrolytes to address heat stress and installing industrial fans in chicken coops for better air circulation are measures being taken to mitigate the impact on egg production. These interventions come with additional costs but are essential to maintain production levels and prevent extreme drops and potential mortalities in poultry populations.

The Department of Agriculture reassures that the egg supply remains stable and anticipates an improvement in egg production as the weather cools down. This cyclical nature of egg production means that while the current conditions pose challenges, they are not unprecedented, and adjustments are being made to adapt to these environmental factors.