Feed production down this year

MANILA, Philippines - Feed production this year went down following the combined effects of animal diseases and the recent spate of disastrous typhoons that cut the animal population.

According to feed industry sources, feedmillers – particulary those producing hog feeds – had to lower their prices by 15 percent to 20 percent.

The hog sector consumes for 60 percent of the production of the feedmilling industry, while the poultry sector accounts for only 20 percent.

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

Soybean meal imports this year amounted to only 1.1 million metric tons compared to the 1.5 million MT to 1.6 million MT imported in 2008.

Based on the soybean meal imports, total feed production for 2009 was around 5.5 million MT.  

Soybean meal accounts for 20 percent to 25 percent of the feed formula while corn or its substitute protein feedwheat accounts for 50 percent to 60 percent.

Feedmillers chose to import more feedwheat this year, sources said, as corn prices increased to as high as P26 per kilo. Imported feedwheat, costs only P8 per kilo.

Total feedwheat importation this year is around 1.1 million MT.

Other feed ingredients include minerals, vitamins and fiber sources.