Belgian livestock increased slightly in 2018

The cattle herd in Belgium increased by 2018% in 0,5, according to new figures from Statbel, the statistical office of Belgium. 

The number of cattle (younger than 1 year old) in Belgium increased by 24.278 animals (+3,5%). The largest percentage increase was for veal calves, as the number of veal calves increased by 5,7%. In contrast, the total number of cattle (1 to 2 years) showed a decrease of 4,1%. In Wallonia, in particular, the number of heifers aged 2 years and older rose sharply (+2,7%), which has resulted in a gain of 1,6% in this animal category.

In both Flanders and Wallonia an increase was visible in the number of dairy cows in 2018, as a result of which the total number of dairy cows increased by 1,9%. In contrast, the suckler cow herd decreased by 1,6%. This decrease is almost entirely due to the decrease in Flanders (-3,8%), because the suckler cow herd in Wallonia remained stable.

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De pig herd in Belgium increased by 2018% in 1,7. This increase was mainly due to the increase in the number of piglets under 2018 kilos (+20%). However, the number of pigs between 2,1 and 20 kilos (+50%) and the number of fattening pigs (+2,8%) also played a role. The number of sows, on the other hand, decreased by 1,9%.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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