August 23, 2005

UK pig numbers fall in first half 2005

According to the UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), domestic pig numbers fell in this year's first half.

In June 2005, the UK breeding herd totalled 463,000 sows and gilts, compared with 547,000 head in 2001, or a 16 percent fall over the past four years.

Although sow productivity has improved, DEFRA expected 6.2 percent fewer slaughter pigs would be available for the second half of this year.

Currently, the UK pig herd reportedly accounted for less than four percent of the EU total.

However, UK pig prices were forecast to be higher for this year's second half compared with the previous year.