The pig population increased by 9.4 per cent in 2013 over the previous year.

According to the National Statistics Office, in December the number reached 49,451 heads, up by 4,242 when compared to 2012.

Meanwhile, a drop of 1.5 per cent was registered in young pigs while increases of 12 and 19 per cent were registered in piglets and fattening stock respectively.

The census showed that 105 holdings (a drop of 5.4 per cent) were engaged in pig production. Two thirds of these raised less than 400 pigs but accounted for 20.3 per cent of the total stock. Holdings that raised at least 400 pigs accounted for 39,419 heads.

On a regional level, the pig population increased by 8.4 per cent in Malta and by 21.6 per cent in Gozo and Comino.

Overall, 45,243 pigs, or 91.5 per cent, were located in Maltese farms, with the Western District accounting for 42.3 per cent.