Reduced pig population observed in North Rhine-Westphalia
In North Rhine-Westphalia, the pig-keeping operations have seen a decrease in the number of fattening pigs, according to recent statistics. The number of fattening pigs under 110 kg decreased by 11.0%, while those between 50 and under 80 kg increased by 1.8%. However, the total number of pigs in the region remains substantial, with approximately 6.1 million pigs currently in operations.
Interestingly, there has been an increase in the number of piglets, with 1.77 million (+4.9%) piglets reported in May 2022. This suggests that the pig breeding sector is not experiencing a significant decline, as the decrease in fattening pigs might be due to factors such as disease outbreaks, changes in agricultural policies or animal welfare regulations, market fluctuations, or disruptions in feed supply and production costs.
The number of pig-keeping operations with a minimum of 50 pigs or ten breeding sows decreased by 2.3% in May 2022 compared to six months ago, with around 6,030 operations currently in operation.
The number of fattening pigs over 110 kg also saw a decrease of 7.6%, with 337,200 animals. In comparison, the number of pigs in November 2021 was 6.3 million, marking a 3.4% decrease from the current total.
While the exact reasons for the decrease in fattening pigs are not clear from the available data, it is crucial to consult official agricultural or veterinary reports from North Rhine-Westphalia's local government or industry associations for pig farming covering the period from late 2021 to mid-2022 for more precise information.
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In light of the decrease in fattening pigs, individuals might consider a shift towards a different lifestyle, such as embracing home-and-garden projects, perhaps focusing on local pig breeds or other livestock. Alternatively, one could keep abreast of trends and advancements in the pig breeding sector, as its future may be influenced by changes in agricultural policies or animal welfare regulations.
