UK pigs were in plentiful supply during December according to BPEX, quoting the latest figures from Defra.
“Clean pig slaughterings were 5% higher during the month than a year earlier, totalling 795,800 head,” said BPEX, adding that this indicates that productivity continues to improve.
The figures also show that growing conditions have been favourable, as confirmed by carcase weights averaging a kilo and a half heavier than in December 2013.
“The figures also suggest that, as suspected, the UK herd has been more stable than was indicated by the decline recorded in Defra’s June survey results,” said BPEX.
The new figures, in fact, reveal that the total clean pig kill for the year was 10.22 million head, 2% up on 2013 and the highest level for 12 years.