October 10, 2008

A reduce in Philippine hog slaughter has dragged down livestock production by 3.1 percent in the first half of 2008, according to the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS).

Total livestock production in the first half of 2008 was valued at PHP 19.5 billion (US$409.5 million), down from PHP 20.2 billion (US$424.8 million) recorded in the same period last year, BAS said.

Hog production, which contributes the largest portion of total livestock output, fell 4.3 percent on-year to PHP 15.9 billion (US$334.6 million). In terms of volume, hog output shrunk to 876,950 tonnes from 916,660 tonnes the previous year.

"The 'cholera' scare in Central Luzon negatively affected hog production," the BAS said.

Higher costs for feed grain and farm equipment upgrading have also forced hog farmers to either raise prices or leave the business altogether. Some farmers are having difficulty to cope with costs that involves building sprinkling systems and improving ventilation to prevent heat stress and diseases among their hogs.

A bill has been filed in, suggesting to help hog farmers by imposing zero tariffs on feed ingredients and farm equipments.

Meanwhile, cattle production increased slightly to 115,320 tonnes from 114,800 tonnes last year. Value reached PHP 2.31 billion (US$48.5 million), up from PHP 2.29 billion (US$48.2 million) in the same period last year.