English pork producers set new production goal

Pork producers in Great Britain are now aiming to achieve the industry average of 2,000 kilogrammes of pig meat per sow per year by 2012.

The Two Tonne Sow (2TS) project was launched by BPEX at the British Pig and Poultry Fair and provides a single target for the industry to work collectively.

Speaking at the launch, BPEX Knowledge Transfer Research and Development Manager, Dr Mike Varley, highlighted that although physical performance continues to improve, there remains a significant productivity gap between the English pig industry and its major European competitors. Latest available figures show the average carcase weight per sow per year for Great Britain is 1,608 kilogrammes compared with the EU average of 2,000 kilogrammes.

Closing this performance gap is crucial to ensure the long term competitiveness of the English pig sector. Producers need to ensure they are in a strong position to sustain profitability during periods when the market place and exchange rates are less favourable.

"The pig industry is currently making money and we want to improve profitability further through technical advancement. Raising sow productivity will also help to reduce the environmental impact of pig production for every kilogramme of meat produced," Dr Varley said

"Different businesses will take different routes towards improved performance and a number of factors will be important including litter size, farrowing index, carcase weight and reducing mortality. I am positive the English pig industry can achieve the 2TS target. We have the technology and we have the people to apply that technology," Dr Varley added.

Producers, allied industry and BPEX all have a part to play. The BPEX Knowledge Transfer team will work closely with producers, providing information, advice and support on six main areas: breeding, finishing, health, nutrition, buildings and training.