Australia cattle slaughter down 1 percent in 2008

Australia's cattle slaughter declined 1 percent to 7.96 million head in 2008, as reduced turnoff in Queensland offset increased numbers in New South Wales, Victoria and West Australia.

Australia's beef and veal production for the year reached 2.16 million tonnes cwt, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Slaughter numbers in 2008 fluctuate from month-to-month, as seasonal conditions and trading uncertainties impacted processing operations. Heavy rain and flooding across eastern Queensland in the first quarter of 2008 also contributed to a 11 percent on-year decline in national slaughter levels, with numbers in Queensland falling 17 percent.

However, slaughter levels in the second quarter of 2008 increased 6 percent, as higher cattle inventory in northern Australia and continued drought across southern states assisted turnoff. Slaughter levels also increased 1 percent on-year in the third quarter, as volumes in southern states increased.

National adult slaughter in October reached a monthly high of 780,358 head. Offsetting the October increase were on-year declines in November and December, due to wet weather and the global economic crisis.

Rebuilding efforts in Queensland also contributed to female slaughter falling 11 percent on-year. However, female cattle slaughter numbers for New South Wales, Victoria and West Australia increased 7 percent, 13 percent and 9 percent, respectively. Nationally, female cattle slaughter in 2008 grew 1 percent to 3.8 million head, while male cattle slaughter in 2008 also fell 3 percent on-year to 4.09 million head.