Poultry production grew in the first quarter from a year ago, driven mainly by high demand for chicken meat and larger broiler farm capacity, according to Business World.

The sector's output, which accounted for 13.34 per cent of total agricultural production, increased by 3.92 per cent to more than 462,000 metric tons (MT) from about 445,000MT, data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) showed.

However, earnings went down by 4.35 per cent to 39.04 billion pesos (PHP) from PHP40.82 billion due to price depreciation.

Volume was boosted by a 3.77 per cent increase in the production of chicken to 344,620MT from 332,090MT. Chicken products comprised nearly three-quarters of total poultry output.

The BAS reported increased production in broiler farms in Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Soccsksargen. 'There were also reports of more ventilated-type farms put up in the top-producing regions, which resulted in higher stocking capacity,' according to the report.

Amelia V. Marcelo, senior agriculturist at the Department of Agriculture’s Livestock Development Council, commented: "Recently, we have been receiving calls from people planning to raise new broiler farms in various regions due to the quick and high return incentive of running a chicken farm."

According to BAS, 'The high demand for chicken meat for household consumption and fast-food chains also boosted chicken production.'

Production of chicken eggs grew by 4.94 per cent to 99,23 MT in the first quarter from 94,560MT a year ago. This was attributed to good weather conditions for egg-laying, and the increase in number of laying flocks in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao and Davao region.

Meanwhile, duck meat and duck egg output grew slightly, by 0.85 per cent to 9,510MT and 0.87 per cent to 9,230MT, respectively.

'This was explained by the increasing demand and and better market prices of balut, which gave encouragement to raisers to increase their duck egg production,' reported BAS. A balut is a fertilised duck (or chicken) egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell.

According to Business World, Ms Marcelo said she expects poultry production and prices to fluctuate in the coming months. "But we also expect the rates to go back up again later this year as soon as holiday season begins," she added.