The final December 2006 census results show an increase in the breeding herd, rising by 2% compared to December 2005. Total pigs for slaughtering fell slightly to 4,184 thousand head.

The following graph illustrates the UK pig breeding herd between June 1981 and December 2006. It shows clearly the sharp fall since December 1997, the herd having reduced by over 40 per cent during this period.

EU pig populations

There is only one common period for pig population surveys across the EU – November/December. However, the main pig producing Member States must survey their pig populations at least twice each year, with no more than six months between survey dates. The latest results are shown in the previous table. The Eurostat definition of breeding sows includes sows and gilts in pig, other sows for breeding and intended gilts. Results are now complete for November/December 2006, with the total for the EU 27 showing a slight increase compared to 2005.

The following chart shows the proportion of total pigs in each Member State as at November/December 2006, the latest date for which figures for all EU 27 states are available.

UK/EU Pig Statistics

For information on UK and EU Pig Statistics which form Chapters 1-4 of this report click here

Further Information

To read the full report, including tables (PDF - 18 pages), click here
This article is taken from Chapter 5. towards the end of the PDF.

June 2007