Livestock Production in W. Visayas Drops in 2024

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Western Visayas recorded a significant decline in livestock production in 2024, with carabao, cattle, hog, and goat output all decreasing from the previous year, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office 6.

Hog production saw the steepest drop, falling 5.1% to 1,703,258 metric tons from 1,793,930 metric tons in 2023.

Goat production declined 3.8% to 67,435 metric tons from 70,087 metric tons the previous year.

Cattle production dropped 0.5% from 234,415 metric tons to 233,333 metric tons, while carabao production decreased slightly by 0.03% to 129,751 metric tons.

The decline in livestock production was also reflected in the number of animals slaughtered in slaughterhouses.

Hog slaughtering recorded the sharpest drop at 23.1%, with only 717,103 heads processed in 2024.

Carabao and cattle slaughtering also declined by 4.8% and 0.4%, respectively, with 42,439 carabao and 58,724 cattle slaughtered.

Goat slaughtering was the only exception, rising 46% to 3,452 heads.

Despite lower production, livestock inventory remained substantial.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, the carabao inventory in Western Visayas stood at 222,502 heads, with Negros Occidental (37.8%) and Iloilo (28.5%) holding the largest shares.

Cattle inventory reached 212,364 heads, with Negros Occidental accounting for 28.2%, followed by Iloilo (24.8%) and Antique (24.5%).

Goat inventory was estimated at 364,457 heads, with Negros Occidental contributing 56.7% and Iloilo 20.8%.

Swine inventory stood at 576,379 heads, with Negros Occidental holding the majority share of 58.6% (337,693 heads).