The number of cattle slaughtered in Irish beef plants increased marginally – by 225 head – last week and amounted to 33,753 head.

However, when compared to this time last year, the number of animals processed is down 3,250 head.

Looking at young bulls first, the number of these animals decreased by 20 head and amounted to 1,290 head, while aged bulls decreased ever so to 661 head.

Taking a look at steers, the total number of bullocks amounted to 16,293 head, which represents an increase of 73 head.

Furthermore, the number of heifers processed amounted to 9,156 head – which represented an increase of 372 head.

Furthermore, the number of cows slaughtered fell, once again, by 194 head and amounted to 6,359 head.

Some 1,294,240 cattle have been slaughtered in Ireland this year – an increase of 36,395 head when compared to the corresponding period in 2019.

So far this year, throughput increases have been witnessed in the steer, heifer and cow categories.

However, young and aged bull throughput have declined. The young and aged bull categories are running at 55,362 head and 2,167 respectively behind 2019 levels.

2,000 young bulls wanted for export to Libya

A consignment of bulls is currently being sought for the Libyan market, with 2,000 animals wanted.

The exporter – Curzon Livestock – is procuring Friesian bulls weighing 200-400kg and coloured bulls weighing up to 550kg. The bulls are earmarked for Libyan farms later in the month.

Farmers with the desired breed and spec can contact the following Curzon Livestock at: 021-4897881.

According to Bord Bia figures, Irish live cattle exports to Libya have totalled 9,517 so far this year – an increase of 2,908 head or 44% on 2019 levels.