Number of pigs decreasing in Wales
The number of pigs in Wales has more than halved in just over ten years as production costs continue to increase, it has been revealed.
According to Meat Promotion Wales (MPW), there were just 25,600 pigs in Wales at the end of last year, compared to 65,200 in 2000.
Although prices have risen with each year, MPW says that producers currently get nearly £1.55 per kilogram, about 14p less than the cost of production.
John Richards, a spokesman for MPW, mainly blamed the high cost of feed, saying: "At the same time, the size of the Welsh pig herd continues to decline. A 4% drop in numbers to the year ending December 2011 saw the total number stand at 25,600. This is less than half the number in 2000 when there were 65,200 pigs in Wales."
The number of pigs passing through Welsh abattoirs in August was 2700 - 14% than 2011, and the third month in a row that numbers have declined.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
