Pig stock decreases by 4% over 2013 -NSO

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), in December 2014, the pig stock amounted to 47,465 heads, down by 4%, or 1,986 heads, over 2013.

Figures show drops of 14.7%, 12.6% and 1.0% registered in piglets, breeding stock and young pigs respectively with an increase of 3.7% registered in respect of fattening pigs.

The census revealed that 100 farms were engaged in the rearing of pigs with 62 farms of these raising less than 400 pigs and accounting for 10,933 heads. Farms that raised 400 pigs or more accounted for 36,532 heads.

According to statistics 90.4% of pig stock was located in Maltese farms and 9.6% in Gozo and Comino, with the largest proportion of pig farms concentrated in the Western District.