The Netherlands pig numbers down 2.4 percent

The Netherlands had over 12 million pigs in April 2008 but the number of pigs decreased to 11.7 million head by December, down 2.4 percent, according to the Dutch central statistics bureau (CBS).

The number of pigs, however, was about similar in December 2008 compared to December 2007, and larger than in 2005 and 2006.

The strongest decrease could be seen in piglets which shrunk from 1.9 million to 1.7 million, down 12.9 percent.

The number of younger pigs, less than 50 kilogrammes, decreased as well, by 2.7 percent to approximately 4.9 million.

In December, just above 1 million breeding pigs could be counted, which was down 6 percent.

Finishers however showed an increase, as their numbers rose from 3.9 million to 4.1 million in comparison to April 2008, but is expected to come down in the coming months.

The number of gilts is still decreasing which will inevitably have consequences for the rest of the pig herd, as smaller numbers of piglets and weaners will also contribute to a further reduction of the pig herd.