The latest physical performance data from Agrosoft shows an improvement in the overall GB breeding herd performance.
The number of pigs weaned per sow per year averaged 26.1 in the year to June 2019. This was a record high, indicating that the herd has now bounced back from the more difficult conditions experienced throughout much of 2018.
Outdoor producers, who weaned an average of 24.1 pigs weaned (+0.5 year-on-year), drove the increase. Improvements were recorded for each of the key measures contributing to numbers weaned: litters per sow per year, piglets born alive and pre-weaning mortality.
In contrast, the overall productivity of indoor producers was actually still slightly lower in the year to June 2019, averaging under 27.5. Higher mortality rates and a drop-in litters per sow offset an improvement in the number born alive.
AHDB senior analyst Bethan Wilkins said: “The improvement in breeding herd performance over the past year knocked about 0.4p/kg off the average cost of pig production.”
