Increase in Irish breeding herd

THE Central Statistics Office’s June Livestock Survey indicates that the Irish beef breeding herd has risen for the second year running. Beef cows increased by more than 2%, and beef replacement heifers by 3%, according to the survey.

Dairy cows increased marginally, reaching 1.16m of a total breeding herd of 2.81m, and a total cattle herd of 7.04m.

Replacement dairy heifers have increased by 7% since June 2003. Yearling males are down almost 4%, reflecting a strong live trade to Holland in 2003.

The survey indicates export slaughterings of prime cattle from June to year end are likely to be more than 20,000 head behind corresponding 2003 levels.

According to the Central Statistics Office’s June Livestock Survey, a 12 month decline in ewe numbers was off-set by an increase in lambs. The overall flock reached 6.88m, including 3.68m ewes, some 42,000 head behind 2003, reflecting slaughterings of ewes this year at 19% higher than 2003 levels. From June to year end it is expected that lamb slaughterings will exceed 2003 levels by some 240,000 head.