Livestock and Products, Swine Genetics Market Update 2004 - Croatia
CROATIA - This is a Livestock and Products report by the Foreign Agriculture Service, looking at the swine genetics market in Croatia.
Report Highlights:
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.
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.


Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service - 31st March 2004