The number of cattle slaughtered in May 2013 was 10.9 per cent higher than in May 2012, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). 

A further comparison of May 2013 and May 2012 slaughtering figures also shows that sheep slaughterings decreased by 12.3 per cent, pig slaughterings decreased by 1.5 per cent.

A comparison of figures for January-May 2013 with the corresponding 2012 period shows that cattle slaughterings increased by 10 per cent, sheep slaughterings increased by 16.3 per cent and pig slaughterings decreased by 1.4 per cent.

This that gives the number and carcass weight of cattle, sheep and pig slaughterings in the Republic of Ireland. The figures include slaughterings at both meat establishments approved by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and slaughterhouses and meat plants approved by local authorities.

Pictured calves on outdoor pad. Photo O’Gorman Photography