The National Economic and Development Authority in Region 7 (NEDA 7) revealed that livestock production and poultry product in general increased by 3.4 per cent and 4.1 per cent, respectively in 2010, according to Manila Bulletin.

In 2009, both sectors registered higher increases in production, at four per cent for the livestock sector and seven per cent for the poultry sector.

Demand for livestock products grew especially during the first semester of the year because of election-related activities and this was sustained until the last quarter of the year when consumers opted to buy chicken and other poultry products due to the increase in prices for fish.

NEDA 7 added that the region's livestock producers also benefited from higher demand for beef and pork meat in Metro Manila and in other regions.

The NEDA 7 report likewise revealed that the higher demand for chicken meat from food chains and local consumers spurred production of chicken in 2010.

Manila Bulletin adds that duck production jumped by 4.3 per cent since many backyard farms disposed and slaughtered stocks in the first semester of 2010 to avoid losses.