The number of in-pig sows and gilts was down by 1 per cent, with an even smaller reduction in lactating sows.

This contrasts with small increases recorded in the April census and could mark some downturn in producer confidence in the face of sustained low pig prices.

However, a rise of 9 per cent in maiden gilt numbers contradicts this and suggests that the overall situation remains one of broad stability.

The figures also show the continuing effect of increasing weaner exports, which were up another 10 per cent in the first five months of 2015, compared with a year earlier.

This means that, while the number of young pigs was higher than in July 2014, there were 3 per cent fewer finishing pigs (over 50kg) than a year before.

This continues the long-term trend of decreasing numbers of finished pigs and suggests that Danish slaughterings may fall again this year, despite increased piglet production.