The number of spring lambs slaughtered at Department of Agriculture approved sheepmeat export plants has dropped 13% in the space of a week.
Official figures from the Department of Agriculture show that just over 54,540 lambs were slaughtered during the week ending September 25, a fall of 6,426 head compared to the week before.
The fall in supply follows a period of relatively high throughput, while factory prices have remained steady with most plants operating off a base price of 460c/kg.
However, despite the fall in spring lamb throughput, the number of ewe and rams slaughterings actually increased last week.
In total, 12,047 ewes and rams were slaughtered in Department approved plants, an increase of 1,833 head or 17.9% on the week before.
Despite the increase in throughput, the price paid for these lots has remained unchanged in recent weeks, with most factories quoting 230-240c/kg for cast ewes.
The above mentioned fall in spring lamb throughput has also resulted in the total weekly kill for the week falling by 7.9% or 4,639 head compared to the week before.
Official figures from the Department also show that the total number of sheep killed for this year is running on par with 2015, with just over 1.8m sheep processed so far this year.
However, despite the parity of the kill, the number of spring lambs slaughtered so far this year is back 9% or 96,178 on the corresponding time in 2015.
There have also been changes in ewe and ram throughput, with supplies increasing 21% on last year, while the hogget kill increased by 7%.
Sheep kill on par with 2015