KOROR, Palau – Palau’s livestock sector experienced significant growth in 2023, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment’s annual report. Both the number of animals and revenue generated saw marked increases compared to the previous year.
Pig Production Soars: Piglet production grew substantially, with 385 piglets born in 2023 compared to 320 in 2022. Sales also climbed, with 326 piglets sold in 2023 compared to 202 in 2022. Revenue from piglet sales nearly doubled, reaching $21,190 in 2023 compared to $13,130 in 2022. This upward trend extends back to 2021, where only 163 piglets were born and 59 sold, generating $3,835 in revenue.
Slaughterhouse Activity Increases: The amount of pork processed at the national slaughterhouse also rose in 2023, with a total of 15,616 pounds processed compared to the previous year’s figures.
Feed Sales Double: Sales of pig feed saw a significant boost in 2023, doubling from 2022. A total of 108,800 pounds of feed were sold in 2023, generating $53,160 in revenue, compared to 55,770 pounds and $20,610 in 2022.
Poultry Sector Expands: The poultry industry also witnessed growth in 2023, with the number of chicks hatched reaching 4,429, up from 3,290 in 2022. Chicken feed production and sales also increased, with 131,175 pounds produced and sold for $59,500 in 2023, compared to 80,784 pounds and $29,810 in 2022.
Duckling Production Grows: Duckling production saw the most dramatic increase, with 195 hatched and sold in 2023 compared to just 39 in 2022.
Breeding Facility Boosts Future Prospects: The Ministry expects livestock performance to improve further in 2024 with the opening of a new pig and poultry breeding facility in Nekken, Aimeliik. Funded by the Republic of China-Taiwan at a cost of $1.4 million, the facility is projected to produce 450 piglets and 2,000 chicks per year, along with 210,000 eggs annually to support the Ministry of Education’s feeding programs.