ENG-1954 — Page 86

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT, 1954

is increasing. Recent surveys of the animal population of the Colony are summarized in the following table :—

Cattle & Buffaloes (working animals).

Dairy Cattle

Pigs

Poultry

Ducks

8,970

2,300

47,860

322,800

107,000

82,800

Quail

Pigeons

Geese

Turkeys

Goats

22,400

1,200

1,300

200

Rabbits

1,500

Dairying. There is one large dairy farm and several small farms which keep imported dairy cattle for fresh milk. The usual breeds imported are Holstein, Ayrshire, Guernsey and Jersey and the animals are stall fed and rarely leave their byres. The animals are fed on imported feed and concentrates supplemented by locally grown guinea grass. All animals are tested for freedom from tuberculosis and are inoculated against other bovine diseases.

Pigs. Pork is an important item in the Chinese diet and the Colony's demands for pork far exceed its local supply. Farmers purchase weaners and rear them to porker weights but since 1947, there has been a steady and important increase in pig breeding by both farmers and specialist breeders. At present only 12% of the pork consumed in the Colony is locally produced and it is hoped that despite many difficulties local products

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