Peter BestPeter Best is a consulting editor for Pig International and can be reached at [email protected].From the Author - Page 4HomeRecord broiler prices reached in some marketsRecord highs for broiler prices were reached in several parts of the world in the middle of 2011, bringing producers some relief from the escalation of their production costs due to more expensive feed grains. The strength of demand linked to its competitive retail price has helped world production of poultry meat move to 100 million metric tons for the first time as an annual total volume in carcase weight equivalent terms.HomeTurkey, duck production concentrated geographicallyOn the world stage chicken production represents some 87% of all poultry meat, compared with nearly 6% for turkey meat, 4% for duck meat and less than 3% for the combined category of geese with guinea fowl. The most obvious growth area in production trends for the “other poultry meats” (that is, not chicken) over the past 10 years was in producing meat from ducks.Egg ProductionTop companies in world poultry, egg marketsWorldwide, the poultry meat business remains relatively fragmented. In a few exceptions – such as the USA and Thailand – the market share held by the three largest production companies is already in the range of 55% to 60%. In Brazil and Russia, the top three poultry producers reportedly share just over one-quarter of the market nationally. However, in the European Union, the level of consolidation is still under 15% and is no more than 6% in China.Poultry FeedInput costs affect poultry feed productionEstimates compiled by our associated publication Feed International suggest that world compound feed production for all species by industrial feed mills in 2010 increased by about 1.4%, to a new record of approximately 718 million metric tons with a combined market value of about $240 billion. Further growth in 2011 has been constrained primarily by high feed grain prices globally, although Asian countries have continued to deliver extra volumes to meet local requirements.Egg ProductionGlobal egg consumption increases in 2011In very approximate terms, we can say that 1,195 billion eggs have been consumed worldwide in 2011 and that this is equivalent to 173 eggs per person per year. By comparison, the global consumption of 963 billion eggs in 2000 equated to 157 eggs per person.HomePoultry challenges pork in worldwide meat consumptionPoultry already rivals pork as the world’s most popular meat, and several forecasters believe that it will gain the number one place within the next five to six years. In its favour, poultry meat can claim to be the most affordable of all meats and the most available in all countries.HomeThe threat of emerging pig diseasesThe pig industry’s focus over the past two decades has shifted away from long-known conditions such as Aujeskzy’s (pseudorabies) to the newer viruses of PRRS and PCV2. However, a serious threat still remains from African swine fever, classical swine fever (hog cholera) and foot-and-mouth disease discussed at The 6th International Symposiums on Emerging and Re-emerging Pig Diseases held in Barcelona, June 12-12, 2011.HomeAnimal feed manufacturers build bigger presenceLooking back at news headlines involving the world’s largest animal feed manufacturers over the past 12 months, it has been a time of further consolidation, acquisition and expansion, together with significant investments in new facilities. These events have brought some changes in our annual list of big players by compounds production volume - not least, signaling renewed competition to be rated at the top for global size.HomePig industry needs to set standards for non-crate farrowing researchAm I the only person who feels slightly uneasy about research into designs for farrowing without crates? In my travels, it is worrying how often I hear the suggestion that the development of non-crate housing will allow farrowing crates to be banned at the first opportunity.HomeMore pigs per sow boost global pork outputTwo charts dominated this year’s Pig International annual world pork market review report. One of them showed, once again, that there was an annual increase in output from many of the largest pig-producing countries in 2010. The other supports the view that more pig meat was produced despite a continuing slide in the number of sows.HomeVictam International highlights innovation in animal feed manufacturingRepresentatives of the feed and grain sectors from more than 100 companies were in Germany in early May to take part in the 2011 edition of the specialist trade show Victam International, that deals exclusively with grain processing and the manufacture of animal feeds. With European-style mega-booths for the big feed equipment players, the show also included demonstrations of some major machinery.HomeHigher pig production costs bring profits warningPork production costs have filled the news since the start of 2011 as producers in most parts of the world worry about the prospects for their profitability this year. For every producer, the basic problem remains the considerable extra expense now involved in feeding the pig after the sudden sharp price in grains and proteins during the second half of 2010.Previous PagePage 4 of 11Next Page