The livestock and poultry inventory in Ilocos Norte, as of October 1, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, reveals notable trends in both sectors. The total livestock and poultry inventory grew by 2.94%, increasing from 2,077,495 heads in 2023 to 2,138,585 heads in 2024. This growth was primarily driven by the poultry sector, which recorded a significant population increase. Poultry inventory rose by 4.22%, from 1,745,935 heads in 2023 to 1,819,528 heads in 2024, making it the main contributor to the overall inventory growth.

In contrast, the livestock sector experienced a slight decline, with total inventory dropping by 3.77%, from 331,560 heads in 2023 to 319,057 heads in 2024. Specifically, carabao inventory decreased by 1.51%, while swine inventory fell significantly by 9.47%. 
 

Within the poultry sector, the overall population increase was not evenly distributed across categories. Layer chickens showed the most substantial growth, rising by 38.00%, from 526,092 heads in 2023 to 725,992 heads in 2024. However, other categories faced declines. Broiler chicken inventory dropped by 23.61%, native chicken decreased by 2.34%, and the duck population fell by 19.60%, indicating some challenges in these specific poultry categories despite the overall sector's growth. (See Table 1 for detailed data).

The livestock and poultry inventory in Ilocos Norte as of October 1, 2024, reveals distinct trends. Native chickens lead the poultry sector, accounting for 35.52% of the total inventory, with 727,473 heads, closely followed by layer chickens at 35.45% or 725,991 heads. Ducks contribute 14.72% with 301,501 heads, while broilers make up the smallest share at 14.32%, with 293,196 heads. This indicates that native and layer chickens dominate poultry production in the province. 

Meanwhile, the livestock sector is led by swine, comprising 39.30% of the total inventory with 125,392 heads. Goats account for 26.08% or 83,205 heads, followed by cattle at 23.83%, with 76,017 heads. Carabaos represent the smallest share, contributing 10.80% with 34,443 heads. These figures emphasize the dominance of swine farming in the livestock sector, while goats and cattle also make notable contributions. Carabao production, however, remains relatively modest.

The carabao inventory as of October 1, 2024, reveals a significant contrast in trends between semi-commercial and backyard farming compared to the same period in 2023. In semi-commercial farms, the carabao population dropped sharply from 343 in 2023 to just 89 in 2024, marking a steep decline of 74.05%. This indicates a substantial reduction in semi-commercial farming activity.

In contrast, backyard carabao farming experienced only a slight decline in inventory. The number of carabaos in backyard farms decreased marginally from 34,627 in 2023 to 34,354 in 2024 (see Figure 3).

As of October 1, 2024, the cattle inventory showed notable changes across different farm types compared to 2023. Commercial farms experienced a modest decline of 3.38%, with the cattle population decreasing from 858 in 2023 to 829 in 2024. Semi-commercial farms, however, recorded a dramatic drop of 93.72%, with inventory plummeting from 6,215 to just 390 cattle.

In contrast, backyard farms displayed resilience and growth, with the cattle population increasing by 8.51%, rising from 68,929 in 2023 to 74,798 in 2024 (see Figure 4).

The goat inventory as of October 1, 2024, to the same period in 2023, backyard Goat farming experienced a slight increase, with the inventory increasing from 82,076 in 2023 to 83,205 in 2024, reflecting a rise of 1.38 percent (refer Figure 5).

As of October 1, 2024, the total swine inventory saw a 9.47% decline, dropping from 128,585 heads in the same quarter of 2023 to 125,934 heads. Backyard farming showed impressive growth, with the swine population rising from 74,228 in 2023 to 89,923 in 2024, reflecting a substantial increase of 21.14%. In contrast, semi-commercial swine farming experienced a sharp decline of 83.37%, with the inventory falling from 21,287 in 2023 to just 3,539 in 2024. Similarly, commercial farms reported a significant reduction of 25.74%, with their swine population decreasing from 42,997 in 2023 to 31,930 in 2024 (see Figure 6).

The overall chicken inventory as of October 1, 2024 saw an increase of 5.36 percent, rising from 1,665,636 in 2023 to 1,754,966 in 2024. This growth was largely driven by a significant 37.99 percent increase in the layer chicken population, which grew from 526,092 in 2023 to 725,992 in 2024. 
In contrast, native chickens decreased by 2.34 percent, from 764,878 in 2023 to 727,473 in 2024, while broiler chickens saw a 23.61 percent drop, from 394,666 to 301,501 (refer Figure 7).

The duck inventory in backyard farms as of October 1, 2024, showed a slight decline compared to the same period in 2023. The number of ducks dropped from 80,299 in 2023 to 64,562 in 2024, representing a 19.59% decrease (as shown in Figure 8).

Sgd. MARILYN P. VERGARA
Chief Statistical Specialist
Ilocos Norte Provincial Statistical Office

EOJ/AAU

TECHNICAL NOTES

The Livestock and Poultry Performance Report offers a comprehensive overview of performance trends concerning the inventory of carabao, cattle, goat, swine, and various chicken breeds, as well as the production volume, including chicken eggs. This special release collates accurately gathered data by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) through two primary surveys:

1.    The Backyard Livestock and Poultry Survey (BLPS), conducted on a quarterly basis, covers a comprehensive sample size of 280 households. This survey serves to capture the dynamics of livestock and poultry inventory at the household level.

2.    The Commercial Livestock and Poultry Survey (CLPS), also administered quarterly, encompasses a broader scope. It involves data collection from various animal types, including 1 carabao farm, 15 cattle farms, 17 goat farms, 7 swine farms, 4 native chicken farms, 11-layer farms, and 13 broiler commercial farms and contract growers, all as of July 1, 2024.

These surveys act as valuable tools to provide insights into the performance trends and dynamics within the livestock and poultry sectors, shedding light on crucial data points that inform decision-making processes.

An essential survey that significantly contributes to meeting the data requirements of the Livestock and Poultry sector is the Compilation of Data on Slaughterhouses and Poultry Dressing Plants (CDSPDP). Conducted on a monthly basis, this survey relies on administrative data obtained from Locally Registered Meat Establishments (LRMEs) situated within the province. This collaborative endeavor involves coordination with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and Meat Inspectors (MIs). The CDSPDP serves as a strong tool for collecting data, providing valuable insights into the operations of these establishments. It plays a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the sector's dynamics and performance.

•    Volume of Production (operational definition) - the number of tended/raised animals disposed for slaughter including animals shipped-out for slaughter (in “head/bird” and in “live weight equivalent”).

•    Livestock – farm animals kept or raised for consumption, work or leisure. In general, poultry is separated as a distinct group of farm animals. For purposes of census and surveys, livestock covers only those that are tended and raised by an operator.

•    Poultry - a collective term for all domesticated avian for the purpose of food consumption or, the carcass of such avian are dressed/processed for human consumption.

•    Animal Inventory (also, Animal Population) – the actual number of animals (in head/bird) present in the farm as of the specific reference date regardless of ownership.