According to the surveys from 11 selected market sites in Liaoning province in November, the market prices of livestock and feed products continually increase.

1. Pig and Pork

The average price of live piglets in November was 9.75 RMB per kg, increased 9.8% from October or 11.3% from last November (2002). The average price of live hogs was 7.35 RMB per kg, increased 9.4% from October or 26.1% from last November. The average price of fresh pork was 12.27 RMB per kg, increased 8% from October or 22.6% from last November. The market prices of pig and pork increased significantly, mainly because of the increase of the demand. After the SARS, the demand of pork products increased and the supply just could meet the increasing demand. The increase of live pigs sent to the off-province market is another reason. The increase of feed price also contributed the increase of pig products. It is expected that this trend of the higher market prices will be maintained for another 2-3 months.

2. Chicken, Chicken Meat and Eggs

The average price of eggs in November was 5.24 RMB per kg, increased 12.9% from October or 23.3% from last November (2002). The average price of live chicken (local breeds) in November was 10.97 RMB per kg, increased 4.4% from October or 84.1% from last November. The average price of chicken meat was 8.16 RMB per kg, increased 2.5% from October or 5.8% from last November. The average price of little broiler was 1.98 RMB each, increased 11.9% from October or 3.1% from last November. The average price of little layer was 1.94 RMB each, increased 3.2% from October or reduced 19.5 % from last November. The increase of feed products was one reason for the price increasing. The increase of the export of chicken meat to foreign market and other provinces caused the increase of demand. It is expected that the markets for chicken and chicken products will be stay at the present level in near future.

3. Beef and Mutton/Goat Meat

The average price of beef in November was 15.91 RMB per kg, increased 0.6% from October or 1% from last November (2002). The average price of mutton/goat meat was 16.55 RMB per kg, no change from October or 1.4% from last November. The productions of beef cattle, meat sheep and goat have been continually developing in the province. On the other hand, the consumption of beef, mutton and goat meat are also continually increasing. The market for beef, mutton/goat meat products will be relatively stable in the province, as compared with the markets for other livestock products.

4. Feed and Feed Materials

The average price of corn in November was 1.00 RMB per kg, increased 1% from October or 14.9% from last November (2002). The average price of soybean meal was 2.69 RMB per kg, increased 4.7% from October or 40.8% from last November. The average price of wheat bran was 0.96 RMB per kg, increased 2.1% from October or 4.3% from last November. The average price of the imported fish meal was 5.67 RMB per kg, increased 3.1% from October or 4.6% from last November. The average price of the complete pig feed (for growers) was 1.40 RMB per kg, increased 3.7% from October or 11.1% from last November. The average price of the complete broiler feed was 1.69 RMB per kg, increased 3.7% from October or 11.2% from last November. The average price of the complete layer feed was 1.42 RMB per kg, increased 3.6% from October or 7.6% from last November. The increases of market prices of feed materials have affected the business of feed mills. It is expected that the feed price and feed material prices will decrease slightly in near future.