ENG-1959 — Page 117

Pigs

PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND MARKETING

150,000 (13,000 breeding stock)

Sheep

20

Goats

350

Rabbits

700

Chickens...

2,000,000 (100,000 breeding stock)

Geese

Ducks

Turkeys

Quail

Pigeons

53,000 (3,000 breeding stock) 300,000 (8,000 breeding stock)

400

15,000 (5,000 breeding stock)

90,000 (22,000 breeding stock)

95

Pigs. The pigs of Hong Kong are mostly Chinese types of Fa Yuen, Wai Chau and Lung Kong breeds. The Department main- tains herds of pure exotic strain pigs such as Berkshire, Mid White and Large White for experimental purposes, cross-breeding and distribution for the eventual improvement of the Colony's pig stock. In the villages pigs are often kept under primitive condi- tions, but the influence of the Department and the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association has brought about a decided im- provement.

In 1959 the number of pigs of local origin admitted to the local abattoirs for slaughter was 246,890. This represents 19% of all the pigs slaughtered in the Colony for food. The comparative figure for 1953 was 64,000. The value of pigs raised in Hong Kong in 1959 is estimated at between $25 and $30 million.

Important experimental work is being undertaken by the Depart- ment on the selection of pure strains of local pig breeds, the cross-breeding of local and exotic breeds and feeding, with emphasis on local products. The Department, together with the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association, is carrying out an impor- tant livestock improvement plan which has as its aim the establish- ment of 4,000 women farmers as pig raisers using improved local sows (provided by the Government and the Association) crossed with exotic and improved local boars at boar centres provided by Government.

Cattle. Local brown cattle and buffaloes are kept for work purposes but surplus stock is sold to butchers. The Chinese brown cattle appear to be ideally suited to the local environment and village management. The return from sales of local cattle for