September 18, 2020

Great Britain cattle herd shrinks year-on-year

The cattle herd in Great Britain continued to shrink year-on-year at July 1, according to the latest data from the British Cattle Movement Service, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported. The total number of cattle (all types) under 30 months of age fell by about 67,500 head (-1%) on last July, while the breeding herd (dairy and beef females over 30 months) contracted by slightly more.

Supplies of prime cattle available for beef production in the short-term (dairy males and beef animals of both sexes, accounting for suckler replacements) aged between 12-30 months declined 76,500 head (-4%) year-on-year.

Most of this decline was in beef males (-34,200 head), with dairy male numbers down 24,500 head and beef females down 17,800 head.

The lower numbers are a result of the poor calving season of 2018.

That said, the number of animals available for beef production under 12 months of age is steady compared to last year. A rise in the number of beef animals has compensated for a fall in dairy male numbers. This is partially an indication of the increased usage of sorted semen in the dairy industry.

For breeding herds, both the dairy and suckler herds contracted in July, resulting in the total breeding herd being 76,400 head (-3%) lower year-on-year. Dairy cow numbers fell by 52,700 head (-3%), while suckler cows fell by 23,700 head (-2%). This follows a long-term period of gradual decline in both herds.