The choice of pigs in England lowered to a 12-year low of three.6 million in June 2023, because the have an effect on of ultimate yr’s breeding herd contraction feeds via.
Defra’s June census confirmed the whole choice of pigs in England was once down by way of 12% over the yr. This was once pushed by way of a 13% fall within the choice of fattening pigs to three.3 head million in 2023, the bottom it’s been previously 10 years.
The breeding herd has stabilised over the last yr, on the other hand. The whole choice of breeding pigs was once up fractionally at 329,000 in June 2023, after shedding 74,000 head within the yr to June 2022, an 18% decline.
The feminine breeding was once fairly decrease, on the other hand, at 257,000 head, an extra 1.5% decline, after, a 16% drop within the yr to June 2022.
The choice of sows in pig was once down 3% to 183,600, however the choice of in-pig gilts was once up by way of 8.9% 31,400. Different sows, both being suckled or dry sows being saved for additional breeding, had been down 1.5% to 42,000. The choice of gilts meant for first time breeding was once up 8.3% to 63,700, whilst boar numbers on farm had been down 6.9% to eight,300.
Breakdown of the feminine pig breeding herd in England at 1 June (Choice of pigs)
The 13% total aid in fattening was once widely reflected throughout all age levels.
Defra famous that decreases in pig numbers had been in large part observed on the smaller manufacturer degree and had been more likely to because of the trade handiest now seeing the entire extent from the backlog of pigs in 2022, coupled with upper manufacturing prices and a few easing in home call for. The census knowledge appearing fall in pig numbers is supported by way of the discounts observed in slaughterings all over 2023.
The newest Defra statistics display July UK blank pig slaughterings had been 15% under July 2022 ranges at 793,000 head, following an 11% in Would possibly, whilst AHDB’s estimated GB slaughterings dipped under 150,000 head once more in late-August, 25,000 down on a yr in the past.