Vietnam on track to restore pig population

The pig population in Vietnam has been significantly decimated in the past year due to the many outbreaks of African swine fever. With increasing imports of breeding pigs and stricter measures on large-scale pig farms, the country is taking a major step in the recovery of the domestic pig herd.

According to a report by Rabobank, Vietnam can take major steps this year in the recovery of the domestic pig population. According to the bank, pig production in the country is expected to increase from 8% to 12% this year. This is mainly due to the large import of breeding pigs from Thailand. Last year Vietnam imported 242.000 breeding herds, a year earlier that number did not exceed 3.000.

Imports of breeding pigs currently represent 10% of the total sow herd. However, although the sow herd has increased, it is estimated that a large number of animals are still crossbred females. They generally have a lower productivity than F1 females. Rabobank does not expect this situation to change any time soon. "Expanding the F1 sow herd normally takes a long time."

Still breaking out
The country is not yet rid of African swine fever. New outbreaks were reported in several provinces in the winter. Analysts believe that the impact of the animal disease is less significant compared to previous outbreaks. This is because large-scale pig farms have to comply with more and more biosecurity measures. Small family businesses still experience major consequences of the disease.

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

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.