Official statistics on animal production are divided as follows:
Slaughtering and slaughter weight statistics
Survey at hatcheries
Survey at poultry slaughterhouses
Survey at laying hen holdings
Milk statistics
Statistics of meat hygiene
Slaughtering and slaughter weight statistics are collected on a monthly basis and are used to calculate meat production. The recorded variables include number and slaughter weight of slaughtered cattle, calves, pigs, sheep, goats and horses. The results give an overview of the number and type of slaughterings and the volume slaughtered. This data is used as a central reference for the assessment of the market situation regarding meat production. The poultry slaughterhouse survey collects monthly data on slaughter weights of slaughtered poultry by type, form of processing and state of presentation from poultry slaughterhouses with a slaughtering capacity of at least 2,000 animals. This statistical survey aims to collect information on available slaughtering capacities, their utilisation and the extent of poultry home slaughters. This information is used to assess the trends of slaughter poultry production and to forecast output. The survey at holdings with at least 3,000 hen-keeping spaces collects monthly figures on the number of available hen-keeping spaces and laying hens and the number of eggs produced in the preceding month. The reference period is the first day of a month. The number of hen-keeping spaces by types of hen-keeping and the hen population structure by age classes and laying periods are annually recorded in December. The date of reference is 1 December. The survey provides information on the holdings’ available capacities, their utilisation and the volume of egg production. This information is used to assess the market situation regarding eggs for consumption and to forecast output. Annual calculations based on milk production and milk use statistics show the total volume of milk production, of milk used by producers (deliveries to dairies, other uses) and a cow’s average milk performance per month. The results serve as an update of the information which provides the basis for calculating the volume of milk production, compiling supply balance sheets and evaluating the market situation. The results of slaughtered animal and meat inspections and of slaughtered poultry and poultry meat inspections are represented by meat hygiene statistics. The reasons for possible objections against the use of animals or meat are registered in detail. On the one hand, the data gives information about the extent to which meat corresponds with the hygienic requirements and, on the other hand, is part of preventive consumer protection. The results of these surveys provide a basis for political decisions to be taken by federal states, the Federation and the European Union. They are also used for agricultural and national accounts, provide a basis for supply balance sheets and serve as a reference for agricultural counselling. The main users of these statistics are the European Commission, the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, the respective ministries of the federal states and scientific institutions. Other users are municipalities, associations, agricultural chambers and offices, pressure groups, interested businessmen and private information seekers.
