News Pigs
Spaniards further increase the number of pigs
The pig population in Spain continues to grow strongly, according to the first preliminary figures from the European Statistical Office (Eurostat). The number of piglets and sows kept in particular has increased.
Read this article?
Become a subscriber and get instant access
Choose the subscription that suits you
The first provisional figures from Eurostat became available last week development of the pig herd. The figures for Europe's largest producer Spain were not yet available, but have now been published. The number of pigs on the Iberian Peninsula has continued to grow. The total number of pigs grew from 32,8 million in May last year to 34,5 million in December. An increase of 1,7 million animals, or 5,2%. In particular, the number of piglets and sows kept increased. The number of fattening pigs remained fairly stable.
fattening pigs
The number of young fattening pigs (20 kilos to 50 kilos) increased by approximately 0,5 million from 7,5 million animals to more than 8 million. The number of fattening pigs weighing 50 kilos and heavier remained virtually stable at 14,1 million pigs. The growth was mainly recorded in the number of sows and piglets kept. The number of sows increased by just under 50.000 to just over 2,7 million in six months. That means an increase of 1,7%. The number of piglets weighing less than 20 kilos increased sharply. About 2021 million young piglets under 9,6 kilos were counted in December 20. That was 1,1 million more than in May 2021. That means an increase of 12,9%.
The preliminary Spanish figures indicate a further growing supply of slaughter pigs in the country in 2022. Last week, Eurostat figures showed that the European pig herd (excluding Spain) is 6,5% smaller, a shrinkage of 5,78 million pigs. The Spanish growth of 5,2%, or 1,7 million units, moderates the European contraction by a few percent.