The December 2009 sample census results have just been published and they show the breeding herd stands at 438,000 - a four per cent rise on the previous December The breeding herd consisted of marginally fewer sows in pig, a reduction of 0.4 per cent to 365,000 head, although the number of gilts in pig increased by nearly 13 per cent to 52,000 head in December 2009 compared with year earlier statistics.

The number of fattening pigs, or pigs for finishing, in England totalled 3.3 million, an increase of one per cent compared with year earlier census information.

Overall, the total pig population in England in December totalled 3.75 million, just over one per cent higher than a year earlier.

Market Intelligence Senior Analyst James Park said, "These results support the current quiet optimism within the industry although they do not take into account the challenging weather conditions in January which may well have affected productivity, growth and mortality rates."

BPEX Director Mick Sloyan said, "This is very encouraging for the whole industry which has seen some turbulent times.

"It also points to growing confidence particularly as producers are now seeing a period of comparatively stable prices couple with continuing strong consumer demand for pork and pork products," Mr Sloyan said.