May 3, 2007

Ireland's cattle sector posts gains in 2006

Ireland's cattle slaughter for 2006 has risen by 5 percent on 2005 levels, to 1.8 million head due to an increase in the number of heifers and cow, according to the EU Market Survey.

Moreover, cattle slaughter numbers in February 2007 recorded a 4.5 percent jump on February 2006, to 143,900 head, with cow slaughter leaping to 11 percent, to 27,500 head. However, beef supplies are seen to tighten over the second half of 2007 as fewer male cattle are available.

Irish beef exports also rose by 5 percent in 2006, to 325,000 tonnes slaughterweight (swt), with its bulk going to the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Netherlands. Live calf exports were also up 68 percent, to 104,000 head, due to competitive prices and strong demand for veal in Europe.

However, the breeding herd in Ireland fell by 3 percent in 2006, with the number of younger cattle between one and two-years-old back 4 percent. Culled heifers for the year increased by 13 percent, to 496,800 head, while cull cow kills jumped by 5 percent, to 358,200 head. The increased proportion of female cattle slaughtered in 2006 slightly reduced the overall average carcass weights.