January 2, 2010

Philippines 2009 feed output declines

Feed production in the Philippines dropped in 2009, due to the combined effects of animal diseases and the spate of disastrous typhoons that reduced livestock population.

Feed millers, particularly pig feed producers, were forced to lower prices by 15-20%. The hog sector consumes 60% of the local feed production, while the poultry sector accounts for 20%.

The remaining 20% is shared by the aqua sector, and other animals such as goats and specialty feeds for fighting cocks.

Soymeal imports this year amounted to only 1.1 million tonnes compared to the 1.5 million tonnes to 1.6 million tonnes imported in 2008.

Based on the soymeal imports, total feed production for 2009 was around 5.5 million tonnes.  

Soymeal accounts for 20-25% of the feed formula while corn or its substitute protein feed wheat accounts for 50-60%.

Feed millers chose to import more feed wheat in 2009 as corn prices increased to as high as PHP26 (US$0.56) per kg. Imported feed wheat costs only PHP8 (US$0.17) per kg.

Total feed wheat importation this year is around 1.1 million tonnes.

Other feed ingredients include minerals, vitamins and fibre sources.