The total number of cattle slaughtered in February rose by 5.5% to almost 165,000 head when compared to the same month a year earlier, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Although the latest livestock slaughterings report, published today (Thursday March, 28) by the CSO shows an increase in the number of cattle slaughtered in contrast the number of sheep slaughtered last month fell marginally compared to February 2023 figures.
Mairead Griffin, statistician in the CSO agriculture accounts and production section said: “The number of sheep slaughtered fell by 0.1% to approximately 222,000 heads in February 2024 when compared with the same month in 2023, while pig slaughterings were up by 4% to more than 265,000 heads during the same period.
“Further analysis of the data shows that during January and February 2024, cattle slaughterings rose by 6.8% to almost 331,000 heads while the number of sheep slaughtered grew by 1.5% to approximately 482,000 heads.
“Pig slaughterings increased by 2.1% to more than 563,000 heads over the same two-month period.”
The latest 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.
DAFM
Meanwhile latest figures from DAFM suggest that this month the increased level of cattle slaughterings has continued on from February.
According to DAFM there were 35,722 cattle processed in approved plants during the week ending March 17.
This brings the total throughput for the year to date to 397,594 head.
This represents a 12,020 head or 3% increase on the corresponding period in 2023 when a total of 385,574 cattle were processed.
Overall there have been 282,792 prime cattle processed in the first ten weeks of 2024 – a 3% increase from the same period last year
According to Bord Bia prime cattle supplies have steadied and the cow trade has also remained “solid” despite the strong throughout in recent weeks.