Data analysis from official statistical sample of 3004 family farms for tracing pig production in Slovenia has showed important changes in herd size, structure and intensity in pig production during period April 1991 - April 1996. In that time, 675 breeders (22.4%) have quit pig farming while the remaining pig breeders increased the number of pigs for 15008 (39.6%). The average number of pigs per breeder was 12.7 in 1991 and 22.8 in 1996. Important changes in pig herd structure were caused mostly by the increased number of breeders with 50 pigs or more. In the period April 1991 - April 1996, the number of those breeders has more than doubled (from 127 in 1991 to 271 in 1996). More than two thirds of those that quit pig farming, possessed in 1991 10 pigs or less. In general, retaining the farm and increasing the extent of production are related to group size. Data suggests that beside changes in pig herd structure and in number of pigs, also the intensity of pig production on family farms has altered - there are less breeding sows and mated gilts and more other pig categories.

Key words: Slovenia, family farms, pig, structure