March 9, 2012

EU pig slaughter figure higher in 2011/12

Pork industry's restructuring has likely brought about an increased pig crop and slaughter figure in 2011 and 2012, due to higher than expected breeding efficiency.

In 2011, the EU swine sector started with a significantly smaller breeding stock than a year before; the number of sows and covered sows were reduced by 2.2% and 3.2% respectively, according to the USDA GAIN: EU-27 Livestock and Products Semi-annual report.

Breeding and fattening is expected to continue on a high level until 2013, the year when the new environment and animal welfare regulations will be imposed.

Due to good demand on the world market, most of this additional volume of pork produced is expected to be destined for exports.