This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fewer pigs in Scotland, survey shows
13/05/1999
Issued on behalf of the Government Statistical Service
Between December 1998 and March 1999 Scotland's pig herd decreased by nine per cent, compared with an overall decrease of six per cent in the UK herd, according to the latest pig survey.
At the time of the survey, carried out on March 29, the Scottish pig herd totalled 548,000, compared with a UK total of 7.1 million.
Scotland's pig breeding herd decreased by five per cent, to around 57,000. The UK pig breeding herd also decreased by five per cent.
The survey covered main holdings, but the figures also include estimates for minor holdings.
FINAL ESTIMATES FROM THE MARCH 1999 PIG SURVEY |
(1) (2)Table 1: The total number of pigs in Scotland and in the UK, June 1998, December 1998, March 1999 |
|
| SCOTLAND | UNITED KINGDOM |
June 1998 | December 1998 | March 1999 | % change* Mar 99/Dec 98 | June 1998 | December 1998 | March 1999 | % change* Mar 99/Dec 98 |
| | | | | | | |
TOTAL PIGS | 670 | 603 | 548 | -9.2% | 8146 | 7554 | 7119 | -5.8% |
| | | | | | | | |
Total breeding pigs | 87 | 73 | 71 | -2.9% | 922 | 833 | 802 | -3.7% |
Breeding herd total | 74 | 60 | 57 | -4.7% | 778 | 705 | 672 | -4.6% |
| Mated sows and gilts - total | 61 | 49 | 46 | -5.3% | 615 | 556 | 522 | -6.1% |
| Sows in pig | 47 | 37 | 38 | 2.7% | 512 | 466 | 436 | -6.5% |
| Gilts in pig | 13 | 12 | 8 | -30.6% | 103 | 90 | 86 | -4.4% |
| Other sows (either being suckled, or dry sows being kept for future breeding) | 13 | 11 | 11 | -2.1% | 163 | 149 | 151 | 1.3% |
Boars being used for service | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5.6% | 42 | 36 | 35 | -3.3% |
Gilts 50kg and over not yet in pig but expected to be used for breeding | 9 | 10 | 11 | 5.2% | 101 | 92 | 94 | 2.2% |
Total other pigs (including barren sows for fattening) | 583 | 530 | 477 | -10.1% | 7225 | 6721 | 6317 | -6.0% |
(1) The figures are derived from surveys run seperately by each of the UK countries. |
(2) Includes estimates for minor holdings for all countries. |
* Based on unrounded figures. |
Totals may not necessarily agree with the sum of their components due to rounding. |
BACKGROUND
1. The results of Scotland's March pig sample survey are produced from 342 returns out of a sample of 398 main agricultural holdings with pigs, which is around one third (38 per cent) of the June 1998 total. Since these results are based on a sample, the estimates are subject to a degree of statistical uncertainty. The December 1998 results, shown for comparison, are also based on a sample. These were published on 4 March 1999.
2. The UK's March pig estimates are based on responses from about 2,500 holdings across the UK and are therefore liable to a degree of sampling error. The results for the UK, and separately for each country, are released today and are available on the MAFF website at www.maff.gov.uk
3. The pig breeding herd comprises sows in pig, gilts in pig, and other sows for breeding.
4. Non media may obtain copies by calling Andy Reid on 0131 244 6149.
News Release: 1019/99
13 May 1999