Czech Meat Output Down 2.5% in Second Quarter

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Gaining the Edge in Pork and Poultry Production

Output of pork meat decreased, while beef and poultry meat output grew.

Pork made up 51.8 percent of the total meat output and poultry accounted for 35 percent.

The number of slaughtered pigs fell by 6.9 percent year-on-year. The average slaughter weight of the animals stayed at the level from the second quarter of 2007. Pork meat output was 7.1 percent lower year-on-year, reports the Prague Daily Monitor.

Jan Zahorka of the Agrarian Chamber said the decrease in pork output is linked with the fact that domestic breeders started reducing pig numbers since their selling price no longer covers costs. The costs have increased considerably mainly due to higher prices of fodder and energies.

Unlike other segments in agriculture, pig breeders do not receive direct subsidies from the EU. "A number of companies (breeding pigs) will probably wind up," Zahorka said.

Prices of slaughter pigs grew considerably throughout the second quarter, adding 9.2 percent year-on-year. Prices of poultry for slaughter rose by 17.8 percent.

Czech meat imports exceeded exports in the period lasting from the beginning of March until end-May this year, according to preliminary data.

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