A bulk feed tank has fallen down due to the earthquake with stored feedstuff in the tank spoiled. (Kikuchi-shi, Kumamoto prefecture)
It has turned out that a number of bulk feed tanks owned by farmers feeding beef cattle or pigs were bitterly damaged or destroyed by a powerful earthquake and its numerous aftershocks since April 14 in Kumamoto prefecture.
At some livestock barns, rooves of the feed storage tanks were separated off by the earthquake and stored feed was spoiled by rainwater. At other barns, automatic feeding systems connecting feed tanks with livestock animals in the barns were broken down.
Quake-hit damages have been spreading at livestock facilities over many areas in the Kumamoto prefecture. Farmers, however, now find it difficult to promptly find out necessary repairmen. They are concerned rehabilitation of their feeding systems may be delayed much more than expected.
“Our cattle are under considerable stress due to the series of heavy aftershocks. If we do not sufficiently feed the cattle, it will place more stress on them. I am very afraid beef quality will be further lowered,” Takayuki Yasutake, 69, operating a feeding and breeding farm of 800 beef cattle in Kikuchi-shi, said.