Sweltering temperatures throughout much of Europe have suppressed growth rates and reduced the supply of pigs onto the whole EU pig market.

EU producer prices for pigmeat hit the equivalent of 108p/kg, 15% higher than their value in July 2005.

But reduced growth rates have led to a bottleneck of pigs in the system, leading to over crowding and higher mortality on some indoor units.

UK outdoor breeders are also report that conception rates have been hit by the hot weather.

Source: FWi