The pig population in Malta last year dropped by 2.3 per cent last year when compared with the previous year.

The National Statistics Office said that, in December, the pig population amounted to 45,209 heads. Increases of 8.5 and 4.8 per cent in the number of young pigs and breeding stock were mitigated by drops of 9.8 and 4.5 per cent in the number of fattening pigs and piglets.

The census revealed that 111 holdings (-4.3 per cent) were engaged in pig production. Of these, 64.9 per cent raised less than 400 pigs but accounted for 24.4 per cent of total stock, or 11,052 heads. Holdings that raised 400 pigs or more accounted for 34,157 pigs, or 75.6 per cent of the total pig population.

On a regional level, the pig population decreased by 3.6 per cent in Malta but increased by 16.1 per cent in Gozo and Comino.

Overall, 41,748 pigs, or 92.3 per cent, were located in Maltese farms, with the Western District accounting for 37.6 per cent. In Gozo and Comino, the pig population amounted to 3,461 heads, or 7.7 per cent of the total stock.