Pig numbers increased to 12.5 million head, which is two per cent higher than the same period in 2014.

A four per cent rise in the number of weaners (less than 50kg) continued to be the driver of the total increase.

However, a fall in the number of slaughter pigs indicates the export of weaners continues at a higher rate, with live pig exports from Denmark up 14 per cent in 2014 and up by 5 per cent in January.

The increase in live exports continue to go mainly to Germany and Poland, as December census data shows that their breeding herds remain at reduced levels.

The breeding herd recorded a small increase in size, up by one per cent, with an increase in the number of in-pig sows more than offsetting a small fall in the number of in-pig gilts.

A four per cent increase in the number of maiden gilts shows some positivity for the months ahead. The number of piglets continued to increase by more than the size of the breeding herd, showing further development in pig productivity.