April 11, 2006

Denmark's hog slaughter continues downward slide

Tighter environmental legislation and the exit of more small-scale producers have led to a four percent decline in sow numbers in Denmark.

Production levels and prices this year are expected to remain unchanged from last year's levels.

Another factor that led to diminished Danish slaughterings is the cheaper labour in Germany. Producers are sending more live piglets to Germany to avoid Denmark's chronically low pig prices. Meanwhile, Germany is forecasting an improvement in sow productivity and increased live pig imports this year.

German farms are also expanding their fattening units and increasing slaughter capacity.