April 20, 2012

Brazilian cattle slaughter declined by 1.6% last year

Brazilian cattle slaughter declined by 1.6% on the previous year to 28.8 million head, with the lower slaughter levels underpinning a 2.8% production plunge for the year, at 6.78 million tonnes.

Furthermore, poor weather and pasture conditions throughout the year were the catalysts for lower average carcase weights during 2011, which declined 1.3% on-year, averaging 235.3 kilogrammes per head.

Due to lower average carcase weights for male cattle and high cattle prices, producers increased female turnoff in 2011, with the proportion of cows in total slaughter rising 3.6% on the corresponding period in 2011 - the first increase for four years. 

With higher cattle prices transferring through to Brazilian beef prices in 2011, there was reportedly some shift to pork and poultry consumption by consumers throughout the year.