November 9, 2011

High feed prices increase Britain's pig production costs

Britain's pig meat production costs rose by 9% due to high feed prices, as shown by statistics from InterPIG report for 2010.

In cash terms, it costs British pig producers GBP1.255 (US$2.02) to produce one kilogramme of pig meat, GBP0.10 (US$0.16) up on 2009, and GBP0.09 (US$0.14) per kilogramme above the European average.

However, more recent figures published by the British Pig Executive (Bpex) suggest that British pig keepers improved their herds' performance in the year to June.

The statistics, based on Agrosoft data, were collated by AHDB Market Intelligence.

A senior analyst said, "It is not all doom and gloom as there are some positive points to take out of the report.

"It shows mortality to finishing has improved while the number of litters per sow, per year has also increased.

"This latest report covers most of Europe and some competitors or potential competitors further afield."  It all relates to the overall performance of the national herd in 2010 and highlights just how important it is for the industry to achieve two tonnes of pig meat per sow per year.

"The 2TS (Two Tonne Sow) campaign was launched in May 2010 with the objective of closing the gap in competitiveness that this report highlights."