USA: Slight increase in pig population

Number of pigs in individual groups In the category of piglets up to 23 kg, the number of piglets was 20.75 million, which means an increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. The same percentage increase was found for young pigs up to 54 kg, of which 19.33 million pigs were in U.S. pig farms on March 1. In the case of fattening pigs weighing up to 81 kg, an increase of 0.3% was recorded. at 15.80 million pieces, while in the case of fattening pigs weighing over 81 kg, a decrease of 0.6% was recorded. up to 12.67 million pieces. The number of kept guest sows, 6.02 million, was 2.1 percent higher. lower than last year. Forecasts for 2024 Therefore, fewer births are expected in the coming months. The USDA estimates that between March and May 2024, the birth rate will increase by 0.9%. fewer mothers than in the same period last year, and in the period from June to August the decline is estimated at 1.7%. At the same time, however, it can be observed that the sows are now much ...