The latest report on cost of production across Europe and further afield shows the UK is still in a comparatively poor position.

The annual InterPIG report, which looks at the figures from a dozen countries across Europe plus Canada and Brazil shows UK costs were 8 per cent above the EU average in 2010.

The report, covering last year, will be published at the end of October. However, pig industry body BPEX today revealed the report’s key points:

• EU costs of pig production rose 2% in 2010 compared with 2009
• Czech republic had the highest costs at 183p/kg dw and the Mato Grosso state in Brazil had the lowest at 87p/kg dw
• GB had total costs of 146p/kg, 8% above the selected EU average
• Most countries reported an increase in feed costs in 2010 – Canada up 20% but France and the Netherlands down 4%
• Over half of the InterPIG group reported a reduction in post-weaning mortality
• Most countries also experienced an increase in daily liveweight gain.

Senior Analyst Mark Topliff of AHDB Market Intelligence commented, "There are a couple of positive points to take out from the figures. The number of litters per sow per year is up and mortality to finishing has fallen.

"The results relate to performance in 2010 and underline the importance of the industry achieving 2TS, which was launched in May 2010, with the objective of closing the gap in competitiveness that this report highlights."