The number of pigs in Denmark increased by 3%

Denmark is reporting a 3% increase in pig stocks and looks set to benefit from the opposite trend reported in Germany and the Netherlands. As of April 1, the number of pigs in Denmark amounted to 13.2 million heads. There was a trend towards an increase in the breeding herd (+ 1%) due to an increase in the number of gilts intended for breeding (+ 4%).

Overall, this suggests that the expansion of the Danish herd is still ongoing and there is potential to increase stocks in the future. The number of breeding pigs is declining in Germany and the Netherlands, which are key producers in Northern Europe. Any expansion in Denmark could make up for losses elsewhere.

Pig slaughter in Denmark has so far been 10% higher than a year earlier, reflecting the significant increase in the number of slaughtered pigs recorded during the census. This was probably influenced by the decline in live MEAT exports to Germany, as well as previous problems with slaughter capacity. The number of young pigs was also slightly higher than last year (+2%), which is probably a reflection of the previous growth in the breeding herd. Therefore, we expect production to remain at a high level in the short term, although perhaps not to the same extent as at the beginning of the year.

Interestingly, the number of piglets was stable. Although the breeding herd was larger, this growth was mainly due to the number of gilts, and the number of lactating sows was the same as last year. So while there may be long-term potential for an increase in slaughter, there may be a more stable period in the medium term once more old pigs are handled.

So far, during 2021, the reference price for pigs in Denmark has increased from about 143 euros per 100 kg to almost 175 euros per 100 kg by the end of May. This rise in prices at a slaughter level was the result of strong demand for Danish pork. This was probably facilitated by access to the Chinese market and reduced supplies to other European countries. Since supply growth will not be as strong in the coming months, this may provide additional support for price growth.