The demand for goat meat increased last year, an agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) reported Monday.

In its website, the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) quoting a report from the Isabela State University (ISU) said revenue from goat meat or “chevon” “increased by 16 percent of the growing demand for chevon particularly from institutional buyers in Cagayan Valley, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and Bicol.”

“Goats are vital to small backyard farming systems. In fact, 99 percent of the total number of goats in the country is raised in household farms, earning for them the title of ‘poor man’s cow,’ However, recent figures indicate the opposite. According to ISU OIC Extension Director Jonathan Nayga, the farmgate price of goat meat increased by 17 percent in 2009,” PCARRD said in a statement.

However, “even with an increase in prices, goat production ironically decreased by 3 percent in 2009,” it added.

“From 60,000, the production volume decreased to 58,000 t. If this trend continues, the goat industry will not meet the rising demand,” Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and Development said.

PCARRD said the development has made goat-raising more appealing.

“Meat and milk production can be achieved in a relatively short period. Goat gestation period lasts only 150 days, with a high chance of producing twins,” PCARRD noted.