February 22, 2005

Russia's livestock output down in January 

Out put of Russia's livestock sector declined further in January amid falling profitability, and dwindling numbers of cattle and pigs.

The number of pigs was down 7.1% on the year to 16 million as of Feb 1, while the number of cattle was down 5.8% on the year to 24.9 million.

Meat production was up 3.1% on the year to approximately 500,000 tons in live weight, but 54.7% less than in December 2004, when slaughter levels are seasonally high.

In 2004, Russia's meat output amounted to around 7.7 million tons, down 0.3% on the year, compared with a 4.9% rise in 2003.

Russia's milk output was down 1.4% on the year to 1.8 million tons in January. This compared to 2004 where milk output stood at 32 million tons, down 4.2% on the year.

The egg output last month was down 1.9% on the year to 2.8 billion. In 2004 the egg output totalled 35.6 billion, down 2.3% on the year.

Russia's livestock sector was hit last year by high grain and feed prices after a relatively poor harvest in 2003. In addition grain and feed prices remained relatively high despite an ample supply from the 2004 harvest.