ENG-1966 — Page 110

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

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cattle are mainly used for draught purposes. The pigs of Hong Kong are mostly crosses of local animals with exotic stock, and pure strains of the Chinese type are becoming less common. The Agricul- ture and Fisheries Department maintains the main herds of pure exotic strains--Berkshire, Mid-White, Large-White and Large-Black -and also herds of two Chinese strains for distribution to improve the Colony's pig stock, as well as for experimental purposes. A similar herd of good quality local Chinese strains, also for distribu- tion to farmers, is maintained by the Kadoorie Agricultural Aid Association on its farm at Pak Ngau Shek. Pig-keeping in the villages often follows traditional practice, but an overall improve- ment in management is taking place as a result of extension and advisory services. During the year the pig artificial insemination service was further expanded and over 5,233 sows were inseminated with a total conception rate of 87.36 per cent and a first service conception rate of 75.31 per cent. In 1966, 270,000 pigs of local origin were slaughtered in local abattoirs, compared with some 320,000 in 1965. The figure represented more than 12 per cent of the total number of pigs slaughtered. The value of pig production during the year amounted to some $30 million.

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As part of the United States 'Food for Peace' programme, the United States Government has donated a substantial quantity of feed grain to assist Hong Kong's pig raising industry by providing feed at reduced prices, thereby allowing farmers to improve their methods of production and raise the quality of their stock. This scheme is being operated in Hong Kong by an organization called 'Operation Feedbag' Limited in close co-operation with the Agricul- ture and Fisheries Department and the New Territories Adminis- tration. During the year 'Operation Feedbag' extended its activities and by the end of the year was in operation in all areas of the Colony except Yuen Long District.

Many of the larger poultry farmers are now producing their own hatching eggs, and this is important in helping to stabilize the industry, which produced $39 million worth of poultry this year. In the 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 and was worth about $7 million this year. Pigeon-keeping is a thriving industry