British produce less pork in May

A total of 82.800 tonnes of pork was produced in May, according to figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (ADHB). This meant that production was 5% lower than in April. Nevertheless, production was still 12.000 tons (17%) above last year's level.

The decrease comes from both the number of slaughters and the average slaughter weight. Approximately 40.000 (4%) pigs were slaughtered in May than in April. However, there were still more than 118.000 more animals on the slaughter hook than in May last year. The average carcass weight decreased by 0,7 kilo (1%) in May compared to April. This amounts to an average weight of 87,1 kilos. This is still 1,1 kilos above the average weight of last year.

Production in 5 months
Over the first 5 months of the year, the British produced a total of approximately 431.000 tons of pork. Compared to the same period last year, this is an increase of 8% respectively. Over the past year, pig farms have managed to reduce antibiotic use. In total, use has shrunk by 5% and is now 6 milligrams above the target of 99 milligrams set for 2020.