Livestock

            Livestock production is second in importance in the agricultural sector. Between 1980 and 1988, its share of the total GDP of agriculture rose from 12.1 percent to 14.6 percent

            The Government has been trying to improve beef and dairy production through cross-breeding and artificial insemination using high - grade stock imported from the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, and Australia. Likewise, indigenous breeds of swine have been improved through cross - breeding with pure – breds imported from abroad. The Livestock Department has set up swine breeding centers throughout the country and has conducted a nationwide artificial insemination program.

            Of all livestock raised for the market, poultry has improved the most. Pure – bred chickens are popular among poultry raisers and research in breeding and management with the aim of improving egg production and feed conversion rate has been conducted with great success. As a result, frozen chickens have become one of the country’s important exports.