The cumulative throughput of sheep at export plants has dropped by almost 7,000 head, figures from the Department of Agriculture show.
However, total throughput remains unchanged on a percentage basis as the total kill sits at 2.37m head.
As of the week ending November 29, 2015, the cumulative national sheep kill was back by 6,891 head on the corresponding period in 2014.
Total spring lamb throughput to Irish export plants has increased by 6% or 78,243 head to November 29, 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.
The cumulative number of hoggets (2014 born lambs) going to factories have decreased on 2014 levels by 43,980 head, with 683,365 slaughtered to date in 2015.
There has also been a 12% reduction in the total cast ewe and ram kill, with 39,579 fewer of these animals going to meat export plants in 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.
Figures from the Department of Agriculture also show that the total number of light lambs slaughtered has also fallen by 1,575 and stands at 1,165 to date in 2015.
Weekly Sheep Kill Differences
Last week’s national sheep kill currently sits at 52,823, figures from the Department of Agriculture show, this is an increase of 5% from the week ending November 22, 2015.
Spring lamb throughput has increased by 2,382 head on previous week’s and stood at 45,647, this is a rise of 6%, as these lots edge ever closer to €5/kg in the factories.
Figures from the Department of Agriculture also show that there were 109 hoggets slaughtered last week, which is an increase of 50 from the week ending November 22.
There has been a 3% reduction in the cast ewe and ram slaughterings, this is a week-to-week rise of 229 head.
Strong demand present for most classes of sheep
Store lambs continue the trend of being in good demand with the best of these lots making €2.40/kg, according to the country’s sheep mart managers.
However, the lighter mountain types have become increasingly difficult to sell with reduced demand around the ring for these lots.
Meanwhile, factory and butcher lambs remain a good trade as Christmas approaches, these lots generally traded for €2.02-2.54/kg and €2.04-2.21/kg respectively.
Furthermore, factory fit cast ewes continue to meet a buoyant trade with the hammer falling on the best of these lots at €125/head.