BACOLOD CITY – The number of animals registered and sold in Negros Occidental livestock auction markets in 2017 increased by about 47 percent compared to the figures in the previous year.
Data of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) showed that 408,098 heads were brought and disposed to buyers last year compared to 276,785 heads in 2016.
A total of 207,746 animals heads were registered in livestock auction markets. The number was higher by 66,464 heads as against 141,282 registered in 2016.
Meanwhile, 200,352 heads were sold in livestock auction markets in 2017, with an increase of 64,849 from only 135,503 animals sold in the previous year.
Dr. Renante Decena, provincial veterinarian, said there were more livestock auction market transactions last year primarily due to the increase in animal production in Negros Occidental.
He added that the increase was also a result of the operations of multiplier farms in various local government units (LGUs).
In Negros Occidental, there are six livestock auction markets registered with the Bureau of Animal Industry, including those in cities of Sagay and Kabankalan, and municipalities of Salvador Benedicto, Calatrava, Moises Padilla, and Hinoba-an.
These are managed by the LGUs and cater to local backyard raisers whose products are purchased mainly by livestock traders which ship animals to other provinces.
Records further showed the most number of registered and sold animals were chicken, totaling 177,627 heads. Others were swine, with 177,318 heads; goat, 57,765; carabao, 30,296; cattle, 23,771; and horse, 1,321.
Decena added that the stronger participation and support of different PVO-organized animal associations also contributed to higher auction market transactions. (Erwin Nicavera/PNA)
