Significantly more sows in the Netherlands, but contraction in EU

The figures show that the number of sows increased by 2019% to 8,3 million in 1,04. However, the total Dutch pig herd has not changed much compared to 2018 and remains virtually the same at 11,92 million. 

The European sow herd (EU-25), on the other hand, fell by 0,4% to 9,1 million. The European pig herd fell by 0,6% to 115,7 million. The figures may differ slightly from the actual animal numbers. This is because the count was carried out randomly. In addition, the figures for Spain, the largest pig country in the EU, have not yet been published. 

More sows and pigs in Poland
In Germany and France the pig population has fallen by 2% and 1,5% respectively. The sow herd in these countries is also significantly lower. The Danish pig herd has increased by 0,7% and there is also slight growth in Poland and Italy. In Denmark and Italy the sow herd has remained virtually the same. In Poland, the sow herd is showing slight growth.

The largest percentage decline takes place in the countries Hungary and Bulgaria. In Hungary there has been a shrinkage of 8,3% to 2,6 million. In Bulgaria there has even been a decline of 24,9% to 492.000. This deforestation is a result of the outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF). The pig population in Romania has increased by 2,7% to 4,03 million. This is surprising since this country was hit hard by ASF last year.