The pig stock declined by 14.8 per cent in 2008 compared to 2007, while the number of pigs slaughtered increased by 8.3 per cent.

In December 2008, the pig population amounted to 65,511 heads, representing a decline of 14.8 per cent, or 11,389 pigs over 2007. The stock of piglets rose by 0.5 per cent, while stocks of young and fattening pigs fell by 21.2 and 22.0 per cent respectively. Breeding stock, which consists mainly of breeding sows, fell by 3.4 per cent when compared to 2007.

The survey revealed that in December 2008, 142 holdings were engaged in pig production. Of these, 61.3 per cent had less than 400 pigs. The latter accounted for 23.4 per cent, or 15,315 heads of the total stock. On the other hand, 38.7 per cent of all holdings comprised more than 400 heads, with a total of 50,196 pigs, or 76.6 per cent of the total pig population.

On a regional level, the pig population decreased by 14.8 per cent in Malta and 14.6 per cent in Gozo and Comino. Overall, 61,183 pigs or 93.4 per cent belonged to Maltese farms, of which 35.8 per cent were located in the Western District. The pig population in Gozo and Comino amounted to 4,328 heads, or 6.6 per cent of the total stock.

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