Total GB pig feed production in the year to April rose 2% (10,900 tonnes) year-on-year, totalling 666,200 tonnes
According to AHDB analyst Bronwyn Magee, This rise was mainly driven by an increase in the production of finishing feed, up 4% (14,100 tonnes) compared to the same period last year to 335,600 tonnes. Increases were also seen in growing feed production, up 3% (3,800 tonnes) year-on-year.
Ms Magee comented: “The rise in the production of finishing feed supports the lift in pig slaughter we have seen in recent months. This comes as the backlog of pigs on farm at the end of 2020 came forward earlier than anticipated, with strong progress made in March. Pigs have also been heavier this year, due to the backlog earlier, on top of a trend in taking pigs to heavier weights. There is also some evidence that feed efficiency has worsened.
Breeding feed production held steady in the year to April, dropping back just 0.4% on the same period last year. Revised April slaughter figures suggest breeding herd contraction is possibly now less likely to be underway, with sow slaughter 11% lower than April last year. The minimal change seen in breeding feed production supports this.
