Increases for Northern Ireland Pig Herd in 2015
07.03.2016
As at the 1 December 2015, the total pig herd in Northern Ireland increased by 7 per cent on the previous year, to 533,400 head, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland.
Nevertheless, despite an increase year on year, December’s figure is 6 per cent lower than that reported in June.
Northern Ireland pig census, December
| 2014 | 2015 | Change, % | |
| 000 heads | |||
| Total pigs | 497 | 533 | +7 |
| Female breeding herd, of which: | 41 | 43 | +6 |
| 34 | 36 | +6 |
| Pigs for slaughter | 450 | 484 | +8 |
Source: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland
The total female breeding herd recorded an increase of 6 per cent on the year 43,400 head.
Furthermore, the other pig category, which includes piglets, weaners, finishers and cull sows, increased by 8 per cent on the year to 484,200 head.
Despite an overall increase to the breeding herd in December, the number of maiden gilts recorded actually decreased by 10 per cent on the year to 5,200 head.
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