Traders&rsquo; Preferences for Halal Goat Characteristics in Selected Markets in Region XII, Philippines

Edwin  C. Villar,; Anna Marie  P. Alo,; Nathaniel  D. Naanep,; Ne  B. Velasco,; Consolacion  B. Tayab,; Fely  L. Dacayo,; Ruth  C. Jordan,; Jomar  M. Maltu,

Traders’ Preferences for Halal Goat Characteristics in Selected Markets in Region XII, Philippines

Discipline: Agricultural Economics

Abstract:

A market study was undertaken to determine traders’ preferences for halal goat characteristics in five selected markets in Region Xll and these were analyzed using double logarithmic hedonic price model to link prices to the animal’s physical attributes. Analysis of data was divided into two groups of buyers: Muslim and non-Muslim. Data on breed, sex, meatiness, age, live weight, color of coat and length of horn were recorded from 1778 halal goats traded for six months from May to October 2010. Results indicated that live weight, meatiness, age, breed and sex were goat characteristics preferred by traders and were significant positive determinants of prices of halal goats regardless of classification of buyers. Live weight had the greatest positive influence on the price, followed by meatiness while sex of the animals had the smallest influence. Since weight and meatiness are correlates of good breed, this study highlights the need for continued efforts to upgrade native goats in order to produce halal goats to cater to the market needs. Given the significant premium associated with these characteristics, raisers could significantly improve their profitability by targeting specific halal goat characteristics.