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Panama Livestock
Panama was virtually self-sufficient in livestock production,
which included cattle, pigs, chickens, eggs, and milk. Beef was by
far the most important product and output was growing slowly in the
1980s. Between 1981 and 1985, the number of cattle slaughtered rose
from 239,000 to 295,000; during the same period, the total stock of
cattle increased only slightly, from 1.43 million head to 1.44
million head. Milk production remained steady between 1981 and
1985, averaging 89,140,400 liters a year.
Cattle raising for both meat and milk was common on land on the
Pacific watershed and was concentrated in the provinces of
Chiriquí, Los Santos, and Veraguas. Most ranches produced both meat
and milk, although some specialized in dairy farming. The majority
of ranches had fewer than 100 hectares. Cattle were almost entirely
grass fed. The grasslands were not particularly productive, lacking
added nutrients and other improvements; on average, more than one
hectare is required for each head of cattle. Low government
credits, competition from regional cattle producers (especially
Colombia), and United States market restrictions have hindered the
growth of Panama's cattle production.
From 1982 to 1985, poultry production grew rapidly, from 4.5
million chickens to 6.1 million. During the same period, annual egg
production also increased, from 28,859 dozen to 31,205 dozen. Pork
production has remained steady; the number of pigs in 1985 totalled
210,000.
Data as of December 1987
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