July 10, 2023

Irish farmers reminded to keep cattle sufficiently fleshed prior to booking for slaughter

Farmers in Ireland are to ensure their cattle are adequately fleshed before booking them into the factory for slaughter, agriculture news site Agriland stated.

The reminder follows a number of factory procurement staff noting a rise in the number of steers (bullocks) appearing at factory lairages that are grading an O- or below, as well as a rise in the number of steers grading a 2= or below in flesh.

When drafting cattle for finishing, Irish farmers should ensure that cattle have a fat score of a 2+ or above and below a 4+ in flesh to ensure they meet factory carcass specifications.

While climate and emission targets will require farmers to reduce the slaughter age of their cattle, they are expected to be conscious of producing a finished animal that will maximise their returns.

Looking at the official figures from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), for the week ending July 2, there was a 5% increase in the number of steers grading an O- or below when compared to figures from five weeks ago.

Comparing the same two weeks, the number of underfit steers grading a 2= or below increased by 2.3% indicating that fat scores are a lesser issue than the carcass grades.

The recent moves by factories to reduce beef prices could be one reason for an increased number or these O- grade steers coming out as farmers are keen to sell stock before prices drop further.

- Agriland