AHDB: Female pig breeding herd falls to smallest on record
The growth in the overall pig population has been driven by an increase in fattening pigs category, up 1.5% (51,000 head) year on year to 3.35 million head. Within the category, growth was not universal as the number of piglets and fattening pigs over 29kg recorded declines. This is likely not a shock to most when taking into account the unfavourable weather conditions witnessed since October last year. However, it is the weaners (29kg or less) that have driven the growth, seeing an increase of 92,000 head. This may drive slaughter throughputs in the coming months as these pigs mature.
On the contrary, the number of breeding pigs has declined further. The female breeding herd is down 2.2% to 251,000 head, the smallest number on record. Sows in pig were relatively stable year on year, but larger losses were seen in gilts in pig (-5.3%) and other sows (8.1%). On a more positive note, the number of gilts intended for first time breeding grew by 3,000 head which will contribute to the 2025 pig crop.
Despite the population figures being a stark reminder of the contraction in industry over time and the difficulties faced, it is worth noting that there have been significant productivity gains made according to industry data sets. Examples would include mortality figures decreasing, resulting in more piglets per sow and finished pig carcase weights increasing, meaning that farmers can produce larger volumes of pig meat with lower slaughter numbers.
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