The number of beef cattle slaughtered at Department of Agriculture approved plants has increased across the board for the week ending November 13.

This comes as little surprise as factories were back to a full working week having worked a four day week for the week ending November 6.

Figures from the Department show that the total number of cattle processed this week was 34,380 head, an 11.1% increase on the previous week.

The biggest weekly increase can be seen in culled cow numbers, which have increased by over 20% or 1,447 head, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Young bull levels also rise as numbers return to the strong trade that has been a factor in slaughter figures all year, showing an increase of 472 head (18.6% increase)

Week-on-week beef kill changes:

  • Young Bulls: +472 head or +18.6%
  • Aged Bulls: +53 head or +12.8%
  • Steers: +178 head or +1.3%
  • Cows: +1,447 head or +20.3%
  • Heifers: +1299 head or +17.8%
  • Total: +3,443 head or +11.1%

Heifers also saw a significant rise in numbers to slaughter this week as 8,589 head were killed this week compared to 7,290 for the week ending November 6.

Cumulative Kill

The beef slaughter for the year remains 5% ahead of where it was for the same period in 2015, as has been the case for many weeks. This leaves the total kill at 1,418,147 head for the year to date.

Official figures show that all animal categories except aged bulls show an increase in numbers. The aged bull is significantly down on last years figure to date with 4,324 head less slaughtered in 2016 (13.9% drop).

Young bulls and cows continue to lead the way in terms of increased kill numbers.

Cows are up by almost 10% on the year to date, an increase of 27,793 head. Young bulls continue the strong trade for 2016 showing a 29% increase on 2015 (37,279 head).

Year-on-year beef kill changes:

  • Young Bulls: +37,279 head or +29.0%
  • Aged Bulls: -4234 head or -13.9%
  • Steers: +654 head or +0.1%
  • Cows: +27,793 head or +9.9%
  • Heifers: +7,199 head or +2.0%
  • Total: +68,503 head or +5.1%