Cattle supply set to fall first and then recover

CATTLE supplies to Irish meat plants are expected to decline by 50,000-80,000 head in 2012, but could recover by up to 130,000 head in 2013.

Recent analysis of Department of Agriculture data revealed an increase of more than 130,000 in the number of animals aged less than 12 months when compared with the previous year, according to Bord Bia.

These extra cattle, destined for slaughtering in 2013, arise from lower live exports and a 4% (almost 80,000 head) increase in calf births in 2011. The number of calves by dairy sires increased 14%, while those by beef sire declined 1%, reflecting the ongoing increase in dairy replacements.