Slaughtered pigs get bigger

Fewer but larger pigs were slaughtered for consumption between July and September, official statistics show.

Pork production grew by 2.3 per cent over the same period last year as a result of an 11.3 per cent increase in average carcass weight. The number of slaughtered pigs, however, dropped by more than eight per cent.

Total meat production and producer value grew, the National Statistics Office added. Total meat production (excluding rabbits) increased by 0.4 per cent when compared to the same quarter in 2009.

The producer value of slaughtered animals increased by 1.2 per cent, equivalent to €0.1 million. This included an increase of 4.1 per cent in beef producer value and a drop of 2.2 per cent in broiler value. Producer value is the unsubsidised price obtained by the meat producer.