Fixed factors in slaughter pig cost price: a comparison in Denmark, France and The Netherlands

This study is the second part of a EU pig cost price comparison carried out in 1995. Structural factors are studied, which could explain differences observed between French, Dutch and Danish fixed costs levels.Available microeconomic systems analysis completed with experts view on technical and financial figures shows that:- High values in Dutch depreciation charges come from higher housing costs . Better quality, general design and mechanization level, but also manure regulations should be involved. Denmark implements less sophisticated systems which minimize its building costs, despite high prices levels ; nevertheless shell quality keeps good and allows high life duration.France stays in a middle position, with pig buildings strongly improved within the last ten years.- Financial charges are also linked to housing costs. But higher values observed in Denmark are mainly due to upperinterest rates. Strong financial costs deviations are observed between data sources within each country.- Labour costs are clearly lower in France. Labour efficiency looks higher in The Netherlands and to a lesser extent in Denmark. It strongly varies according to the farm size and its automation degree. Hourly cost, either opportunity cost or wages paid in the pig sector, is higher in The Netherlands and moreover in Denmark, at a same qualification level.Further, this study could lead to perform a model allowing cost prices comparison under acceptable conditions with respect to representativeness and calculation rules homogeneity.