ENG-1963 — Page 143

108

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

cent of the local consumption of pond fish. Fry of various species re-exported during the year totalled 5.5 million.

ANIMAL INDUSTRIES

As there is insufficient land for extensive grazing, pigs and poultry are the principal food animals reared in the Colony and cattle are mainly used for draught purposes. Production details are given in Appendix V.

The pigs of Hong Kong are mostly the resultant crosses of local animals with exotic stock, and pure strains of the Chinese type are becoming less common. The Agriculture and Forestry Depart- ment maintains the main herds of pure exotic strains-Berkshire, Mid-White and Large-White-and also herds of two Chinese strains. These animals are used for distribution to improve the Colony's pig stock, as well as for experimental purposes. Pigs are often kept on traditional lines in the villages, but an overall im- provement in management is taking place as a result of extension and advisory services. During the year the pig artificial insemina- tion service was further expanded and over 2,300 sows were inseminated with a total conception rate of 93 per cent and a first service conception rate of 79 per cent. In 1953 only 64,000 pigs of local origin were slaughtered in local abattoirs, compared with some 600,000 in 1963. The 1963 figure represented more than 30 per cent of the total number of pigs slaughtered. The value of pig production during the year amounted to some $67 million.

Many of the larger poultry farmers are now producing their own hatching eggs and this is important in helping to stabilize the poultry industry. In wetter areas ducks and geese are raised for home consumption and for export. The rearing of ducks and geese for the local market has become increasingly important in recent years. Pigeon-keeping is now a thriving industry and prices in 1963 averaged $7 for a pair of squabs. The total value of squabs marketed during the year was estimated at $1,700,000. The most popular types of table birds are the White or Blue King crossed with the Homer.

Local brown cattle and buffaloes are kept for work purposes and surplus stock is sold for slaughter. The Chinese brown cattle are particularly well suited to the local environment and manage- ment. Some 5,400 surplus local cattle were marketed for slaughter