Pig breeding in Russia: trends, features and problems

The article examines the implementation of the Russian Federation’s Food Security Doctrine for providing the country with meat and meat products. The dynamics of the number of farm animals is analyzed. The structural analysis of these products indicates the leading position of pork as an important protein product in the diet of Russians. The study examines the number of pigs by farm category. Russia’s leading position in the world pig population is noted. The article analyzes the production of pigs in live and slaughter weight. It was noted that in terms of the country’s self-sufficiency in meat and meat products in 2023, the threshold value of the Food Security Doctrine was exceeded. The problems of pig breeding in Russia and possible solutions are outlined. Among them, there are problems of shortage of breeding resources of meat breeds to create a qualitatively new raw material base for bacon and pork meat; high costs of feed and energy resources, its dependence on imported additives; the lack of qualified specialists capable of ensuring profitability, access to export markets and biosafety; high anthropogenic load. In conclusion, the trends, features and problems of pig breeding development in the Russian Federation at the present stage of social development are formulated. It is concluded that solving these industry problems requires a comprehensive study and implementation of measures aimed, ultimately, at improving the economic efficiency of the industry.