October 2, 2023

Pig numbers of Brazil hit 44.4 million head

Brazil's national pig herd reached a record 44.4 million head, after a growth of 4.3% compared to the previous edition of the survey.

Despite the difficulties faced by the industry, especially with high production costs, the growth in the number of sows and pigs, as well as in pig slaughter (a record in 2022), continued to be driven by pork exports, which reached the second best result in the series in 2022.

China continues to be the main destination, but with a smaller share of the total volume exported, according to Secex data. Domestic consumption also continued to grow (7.8%), reaching 18 kilos per capita.

The Brazilian state of Santa Catarina leads with 22.1% of the national herd, which is equivalent to 9.8 million head, followed by Paraná with 15.8%, and Rio Grande do Sul with 13.9%.

In fourth place is Minas Gerais (12.7%) and Mato Grosso in fifth (6.6%).

Toledo (Paraná) once again had the largest municipal herd, followed by Uberlândia (Minas Gerais), Marechal Cândido Rondon (Paraná), Tapurah (Mato Grosso), and Concórdia (Santa Catarina).

- IBGE