British slaughtering increase likely

Marts: An increase in prime beef slaughter rings in Britain is forecast for 2004 following an increase in the retention of calves on farms in 2003.

According to the latest forecast from the Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) the number of prime beef animals slaughtered in Britain is expected to increase by 3% this year amounting to an increase of 60,000 head going through the processing plants.

Two factors have been identified in the latest forecast for the increase. The retention of more calves on farms in 2003 and the expected earlier marketing of cattle during the final quarter of this year to benefit from the slaughter premiums which run out on December 31.