The effect of the EUROP classification system on slaughter value in the Hungarian pig population

Abstract

The authors examined the effect of the introduction into Hungary of the new (S)EUROP slaughter pig classification system. For this purpose data derived from four three-week periods were evaluated: one being taken from the interval immediately following the introduction of this classification system (June 1997), while the other sets of data corresponded to three further intervals (November-December 1997; May 1998; and September-October 1998). It was established that subsequent to the introduction of the (S)EUROP system of classification the proportion of pigs purchased on the basis of quality in Hungary showed a continuous increase in relation to the total number of pigs slaughtered. The authors demonstrated that in the initial period purchase prices for slaughter pigs classified into the various respective quality grades remained dispersed over a relatively broad band; that is to say, slaughterhouse recompense for different grades of slaughter quality showed major differences in price. This favourable price ratio has been observed to become narrower as time has progressed. Pronounced price differentiation is again being experienced at present. The authors drew the final conclusion that, despite the unfavourable changes in the purchase price ratios, there prevails a continuous increase in the proportion of pigs of higher slaughter quality fattened in slaughter pig populations in Hungary.