Taiwan - Animal husbandry

Pastures in Taiwan occupy only 0.1% of the total land area. In 2001, livestock sector production was valued at $141.1 million. That year, Taiwan produced 961,948 tons of pork and 502,313 tons of poultry from chickens. Hog production is Taiwan's most valuable farm product. In 1997, a major outbreak of hoof and mouth disease affected 6,147 hog farms. As a result, one-third of the hog population had to be destroyed. The government helped compensate pig farmers with $1.1 billion in low interest loans. Livestock production declined by 13% from 1996 to 2001. Chickens and ducks are raised by most households.