Davao remains major contributor in RP’s livestock industry

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 11 (PNA)-– Davao Region remains as a major contributor to the livestock industry nationwide, Dr. Rafael Mercado, division chief of the livestock division of the Department of Agriculture (DA) Davao said.

Mercado said the livestock industry in the region showed positive growth last year despite the increase in prices of feeds such as corn.

Chicken production grew by 4.5 percent as of September 2008 compared to same period in 2007 while goat production reached 1.5 percent above its 1 percent target.

Swine or hogs production grew by 1 percent and cattle production slight moved up .5 percent, Mercado said.

Although the growth of the livestock industry in the region is not that substantial, still, it is fairing well compared to other regions in the country, Mercado said.

The stable prices of livestock products in the market during the Yuletide season indicated a sufficient supply, he said.

He said this year, DA Davao will beef up is stocking program to augment production and quality especially in flood-stricken areas.