Danish pig sector is growing on all fronts

During the most recent count (July 1), the Danish pig herd recorded 12,88 million animals. That is the highest number in more than 10 years and 3,3% more than the same count in 2017. The number of fattening pigs (+50 kilos) grew the fastest, by 4,8% to 2,98 million. The sow herd grew by 1% in 3 year to 1,04 million.

Downward trend reversed
Due to the growing pig herd, more will be slaughtered in 2018 for the first time in years. The German market agency AMI estimates the number of slaughters at 18,2 million, which is an increase of 1% compared to 4 year earlier. Since 2011, there has been a decreasing number of slaughters from year to year. At that time, 20,9 million pigs were slaughtered, while in 2008 there were still more than 21 million animals hanging on the hooks. The extra slaughter does set in pressure on pig prices in Denmark. 

The focus of the Danish pig sector has shifted more to piglet exports in recent years. This has almost tripled in 10 years. In 2018, the country exported an estimated 14,9 million piglets, compared to 5,3 million in 2008. This growth came (to the annoyance of Danish slaughterhouses) at the expense of the number of slaughters. Because the number of pigs in Denmark has increased significantly, both piglet exports and the number of domestic slaughters may increase in 2018.

Export live pigs
The export of live fattening pigs is also increasing. In the first 5 months of 2018, Denmark exported almost 185.000 fattening pigs, which is almost 15.000 more than in the same period 1 year earlier. Germany is the most important sales market and accounts for 30% of exports. Poland (15%) is also an important sales market for live fattening pigs.Denmark has so far (in 2018) 4% more sex than last year.