Tight supplies of maize from the world’s second largest exporter has had substantial knock-on effects on its livestock sectors.

Worst hit by the record high maize prices are the country’s pig and poultry sectors.

For the pig sector, a combination of record high feed prices and a reduction in domestic demand due to the country’s poor economic state, is pushing producers out of business because many are in a loss making situation. Furthermore, there have been reports of increased sow slaughterings in some states.

However, as the harvest of the countries safrinha maize crop gets well under way, it should relieve the tight situation slightly. Nevertheless, producers could still lose money as supply will remain tighter than usual.

Brazil is the largest poultry and fourth largest pork exporter in the world.