UK pig slaughter down 5% in November – NPA

UK clean pig slaughter was reported down nearly 5% down year-on-year in November at 911,000 head, according to the latest monthly slaughter statistics from Defra and a report from the National Pig Association.

While still below year earlier levels, the gap on 2022 is closing. The November deficit of 4.8% compared with 8% in October (887,000 head) and 10% in September (813,000).

The figures show an average of 212,000 pigs were slaughtered per week in November, compared with 200,000 in October, 190,000 in September and 223,000 in November 2022.

By region, there were 724,000 clean pig slaughterings in England and Wales in November, 19,000 in Scotland and 167,000 in Northern Ireland.

Pigmeat production was 85,000 tonnes, 3.6% lower than in November 2022. This compared with 76,000t in September and 83,000t in October.

A total of 20,000 sows and boars were slaughtered in November, up 7% on November 2022.

Tags: Pigs, pig slaughter, pigmeat, UK, Production