Northern Ireland has witnessed a recent growth in livestock numbers, specifically in cattle, pig and poultry.

The number of dairy cows in the country increased to an all-time high of 311,500 head in June 2015, a 6% jump over the same month last year, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD).

For cattle, numbers were 3% higher year-on-year, while beef cows rose 2% to 260,300. Sow increased 5% to 37,900, with the overall pig herd expanding 7%.

Increases had been observed for all pig categories, supported by a significant growth in fattening pigs.

For poultry in Northern Ireland, laying birds and broilers rose by 8% and 5%, respectively.