Little change in Dutch pigmeat production
THE NETHERLANDS - The number of pigs slaughtered in the Netherlands in 2004 is expected to be 13.9 million, virtually unchanged from the 2003 total (13.8 million).
While the slaughter figures have settled and stabilised, the size of the Dutch national pig herd – and hence gross domestic production – has fallen by 3.9% in 2004.
The preliminary results of the Dutch agricultural census showed that the Dutch national pig herd numbered 10.75 million animals in April 2004 (-3.8%). In particular, the number of sows has fallen by 5.4%. The above-average decline in the size of the national sow herd will mean fewer surplus piglets, leading to a downturn in live piglet exports.
During the period up to and including week 33 exports of live piglets and fattening pigs fell by 16% and 9% respectively compared with the same period in 2003, as Dutch processors sought to add value within the Netherlands.
In July the Product Boards for Livestock, Meat and Eggs (PVE) estimated the expected trends in the slaughter, import and export of pigs, based on the available data.
Broadly speaking, the production figures over the period up to and including week 33 (mid-August) substantiate this forecast. Trends in exports of live animals are completely in line with the forecast figures.
Gross domestic production, and hence the number of slaughters, would seem to have been underestimated slightly, however. During the last reporting period over 3% more pigs were slaughtered in the Netherlands. If this trend continues, the number of pigs slaughtered in the Netherlands in 2004 will be 14.3 million, instead of the forecast figure of 13.9 million.
Source: Dutch Meat Board - 2nd September 2004