Croatia Livestock and Products Swine Genetics Market 2004
WASHINGTON - Swine genetics in Croatia are improving as commercial slaughter houses are sourcing meat units and purchasing lower fat hogs. Lower quality traditional carcasses (the largest share of production) are being heavily discounted, and these market changes are creating demand for consistent quality hogs. At present, there is a shortage of piglets for fattening. Progressive producers are responding to the new demand and are interested in crossbreeding present breeds and establishing grandparent stock. This is an opportune time for the promotion of U.S. swine genetics to Croatia.
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Swine genetics are gradually improving in Croatia as commercial slaughter houses are
sourcing meat units and purchasing lower fat hogs. Lower quality traditional carcasses (the
largest share of production) are being heavily discounted, and these market changes are
creating demand for consistent quality hogs. At present, there is a shortage of piglets for
fattening. Progressive producers are responding to the new demand and are interested in
crossbreeding present breeds and establishing grandparent stock.
The following breeds are common in Croatia: Big Yorkshire, Swedish Landrace, German
Landrace, Pietren, and Durok (coming back slowly after 20 years). Producers are interested
in crossbreeding present stock with Landrace, Yorkshire, Duroc and Pietran. A native black
boar is also finding a niche for some traditional products such as kulen (sausage) and
smoked bacon. Artificial insemination is used 25% to 30%.
At present, meat packers are planning investments in reproduction centers. These projects
are based on imported genetics from countries such as Spain (Batelle) and Austria (Count
Harwick).
Imports of swine semen are small according to Croatian Livestock Selection Center. In 2002
and 2003, there was no recorded trade with swine semen in Croatian import/export
statistics.
There is a 0 tariff for import of 010310 pure breed animals for reproduction.

For information on Croatia import requirements contact the FAS office at:
Andreja Misir
Agricultural Specialist
American Embassy, Zagreb
USDA/FAS
Tel. 00385 1 661 2467
Fax. 00385 1 665 8950
Mob. 00385 91 455 2365
*information collected from Report: “Interventions to improve the Swine Industry“ by Gregory M. Sullivan produced for USAID project
To view the report in PDF format click here
USDA - FAS - 25th March 2004