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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Production and Marketing of Native Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus Linn.) in Batangas and Iloilo Provinces in the Philippines

(Lao PDR), Master of Science in Animal Science (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Thesis Abstract:

 

This study was conducted to examine the differences in production and marketing of native chickens between the provinces of Batangas and Iloilo, and to identify constraints to and opportunities for improving their production performances.

A total of 226 native chicken raisers were interviewed. In Batangas, 133 farmers were sampled in 40 barangays in five municipalities and one city. In Iloilo, 93 raisers were sampled in 39 barangays in nine municipalities and one city. A survey instrument, which was pre-tested in Quezon Province, was used to gather primary data. Key informants--assemblers, traders, retailers, consumers, local government units, and personnel from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI)--were also interviewed. Secondary data were also collected from different institutions and agencies. Data gathered were encoded using Microsoft Excel. The Statistical Program for Social Science (SPSS) 11.5 was used to determine frequencies. A simple cost and return analysis of native chicken production on freerange system was done to determine the economics of production.

Results showed that the predominant system of raising native chickens in both provinces was the free-range with and without shelter provision. Farmers preferred to raise locally available native chicken genetic groups. Native chickens were being raised mainly for additional income and for home consumption. Feedstuff such as corn, paddy rice, chopped coconut meat, rice bran, cassava, and kitchen discards, singly or in home mixed forms, were popularly used by farmers as feeds. Farmers observed low egg production and slow growth due to lack of programs for genetic improvement. High incidence of mortality was reported as a consequence of the lack of a sound flock health program, including vaccination and medication. Marketing of both live native chickens and eggs was disorganized as prices were determined mostly by middlemen. Extension services rendered specifically for native chicken production by both the government and the private sector, including nongovernment organizations, were very limited.

The study showed that higher margin can be obtained by raising native chickens under free-range without shelter provision. It also identified constraints to production; namely, poor genetic potential, seasonal availability of feeds, lack of vaccination and medication program, and disorganized marketing.