In Denmark, the number of pigs has fallen sharply

Not only in Germany, but also in Denmark, pig breeders are significantly reducing their livestock. As of July 1, 2022, there were 12.18 million pigs in Denmark, according to the National Statistical Office; this is 991,000 heads or 7.5% less than a year earlier. An annual decline of 5.2% in the number of animals has already been noted this spring; now herd numbers have fallen to their lowest level in more than a decade.

According to the latest sample survey, a smaller number of animals were recorded in all categories. The largest relative decrease occurred in piglets weighing 20 kg or less, by 9% to 2.51 million heads. The number of pigs in the weight range from 20 kg to 50 kg decreased by 6.8% to 5.66 million compared to July 2021, and the number of fattening pigs decreased by 8.2% to 2.79 million heads. According to Copenhagen statisticians, Danish producers have also significantly reduced the number of sows. The total number decreased by 83,000 or 6.5% year on year to 1.19 million heads.  

The reduction in the number of pigs has meant that slaughter volumes in Denmark have fallen slightly compared to other EU countries. According to preliminary studies, slaughter volumes from January to mid-July decreased by 0.9% compared to the same period last year, according to the agri-food industry umbrella organization Landbrug & Fødevarer (L&F). However, a weaker supply of pigs is expected to lead to a larger reduction in slaughter and therefore a decline in Danish pork production towards the end of the year. However, it also depends on the development of the EXPORT of live pigs.