EU: More sows are in the pigsty again

Population collapse in 2021 and 2022 In 2021 and 2022, the European Union's pig population literally collapsed, but is now showing signs of decline. According to preliminary Eurostat data, a total of 131.38 million pigs were recorded in the Community during the livestock censuses in November and December 2023. It was by 819 thousand, or 0.6 percent. less than twelve months earlier. Over the past two years, the population has declined by a total of approximately 11.5 million animals. The emerging trend reversal is even more pronounced in the case of the number of sows over 50 kilograms, which increased by 173,500, or 1.7%. compared to the end of 2022 Higher prices for piglets and slaughter pigs, as well as lower feed costs, have made pig production profitable again, even as animal welfare or environmental regulations in many EU countries continue to make it difficult to build populations. More piglets in Spain and Poland The results so far cover 25 Member States as data from ...