asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is perturbed by the fall of 27 per cent in the number of gilts in pig; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Gilts in Pig.
40.
While the 1965 annual June livestock census showed a fall of 4,600 head or 27.5 per cent in the number of gilts in pig as compared with June 1964, there was an increase of 10,300 head or 8.8 per cent in the number of sows in pig and other sows for breeding, giving an overall increase of 5,700 head or 4.3 per cent in the total numbers of breeding sows and gilts.
Some fluctuations in pig numbers ordinarily take place from year to year and, while pig supplies for the year 1966 as a whole are expected to be somewhat below the record high level of 1965, I have every confidence in the future of the industry.
The guaranteed prices for good quality pigs were of course increased last October.