The DA will also provide feed subsidies to complement an ongoing stock dispersal program to help the sector recover from a growth slump in the first semester.

The livestock subsector contracted 3.33% in the first semester of 2008, with hog production suffering a decline of 4.33% during the period owing to an outbreak of swine in Central Luzon, reports GMA News.

In a statement, Bureau of Animal Industry Director Dave Catbagan said the subsidy program for the hog industry will be carried out in Central Luzon and Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon), which will involve assisting backyard raisers acquire healthy piglets and their required animal feeds.

The DA will also include in its rehabilitation package for the livestock sector animal health programs and laboratory services, Catbagan said.

The stock dispersal program, which has been going on will go full blast next month, Catbagan said.

The feed subsidy program aims to grow hogs by at least an additional 10 kilograms to 15 kilograms to increase output from the national average of only 77 kilograms.

As part of measures to assist the hog growers, BAI and the National Meat Inspection Service will finalize plans to complement the meat inspection laboratories set up in General Santos City and Polomolok in South Cotabato .

Catbagan said he was optimistic that a bright future lies ahead for the Philippine hog industry, with local producers soon to ship pork cuts to Singapore after complying with the island-state’s stringent requirements, including an assurance that these pork items are free from banned drugs and veterinary drug residues.

He said Singapore’s Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority recently accredited the Matutum Meat Packing Corporation in Polomok, South Cotabato as the sole processor of pork exports to that country.

Further Reading

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Find out more information on Porcine Reproductive & Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) by clicking here.