In the space of seven days, the number of registered calf births have increased from 52,403 to 105,621, indicating that the busy spring-calving period on Irish farms has begun.
The latest figures from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) show that there has been a 14.5% increase compared to last year’s figures – with 75,495 head of dairy calves born so far compared to 65,245 head in 2020.
Breakdown
Having a closer look at the figures, we can see that 44,109 dairy calves were registered during the week ending January 29, 2021 – an increase of 5,622 head on the corresponding week in 2020.
Looking at suckler calf registrations in more detail, during the week ending January 29, some 9,109 beef calves were registered – a decrease of 2,262 head on the same week in 2020.
The total number of suckler calves registered so far this year stands at 30,126 head. This is a decrease compared to the same period in 2020, when some 32,423 beef calves were registered.
When combined, total calf registrations – for both suckler and dairy – are running ahead of last year’s levels. During the week ending January 29, a tally amounting to 53,218 head of calves had been registered – an increase of 3,360 head when compared to the same period in 2020.
Calf registrations up to and including the week ending January 29, 2021:
- Beef births: 9,109 head (-2,262 head);
- Dairy births: 44,109 head (+5,622 head);
- Total births: 105,621 head (+7,953 head).