The latest figures published by Statistics Denmark show that pig numbers in July 2013 totalled 12.3 million head, down 1% on the year. Overall breeding pig numbers were unchanged from a year earlier at 1.24 million head.
Despite the stable breeding herd, the number of piglets born was up 1%, which indicated a small increase in productivity. However, continuation of weaner exports meant that the number of finishing pigs declined by 4% on the year.
Given the modest increase in maiden gilts and the new EU welfare regulations, this stability is likely to continue in the immediate future.