PHL broiler chicken output may rise 2%
PHILIPPINE broiler chicken production is expected to increase by 2% to 1.85 million metric tons this year amid higher demand, according to the United Broiler Raisers Association.
“That is an increase of 2% already, which is conservative,” group Chairman Elias Jose M. Inciong told reporters last week.
The Philippines is expected to increase its postbroiler chicken output by 3.4% to 1.53 million this year, according to estimates from the US Department of Agriculture.
“In a normal year, the industry can grow from 4% to 7%,” Mr. Inciong said. “But for the purposes of projections, we have placed it at 2% growth.”
He noted that consumers have chosen alternatives such as chicken and egg due to higher pork prices. “Right now, you can see that demand has increased due to the substitution of pork for chicken.”
Prices for pork belly ranged from P340 to P420 per kilo, while pork shoulder is priced at P290 to 270 per kilo as of March 7, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Mr. Inciong said the government should fast-track the approval of vaccines for type H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or bird flu, which continues to threaten the industry.
“They should really work double time on the approval so that all vaccines being used are legal,” he added.
Nine provinces still have active bird flu cases as of Feb. 29, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.
“The incidence of bird flu right now is low because of massive vaccination,” Mr. Inciong said.
The Department of Agriculture allows vector vaccines, killed/inactivated vaccines and recombinant vaccines.
Priority was given to commercial farms for layer chicken, layer chicken breeders, broiler chicken breeders, free-range breeders, grandparent broiler breeders, and small-hold layer/native chicken, duck, game fowl, turkey and goose farms.
On the other hand, commercial broiler chicken, small-hold broiler, quail, pigeon and exotic bird farms are ineligible.