London: (Right Now News) The global governing body for badminton has approved the use of synthetic shuttlecocks in selected tournaments due to a shortage of bird feathers.

According to a British broadcasting report, the rise in bird flu, badminton’s popularity, and increased pork consumption in China have driven up the prices of duck and goose feathers.

China, the largest producer of shuttlecocks, has seen its poultry production affected by various diseases.

The global federation announced that synthetic shuttlecocks will be experimentally used in Grade 3 and Junior International competitions.

It is noteworthy that traditional shuttlecocks are made with 16 feathers taken from the wing of a single bird to maintain flight and spin characteristics.