The total number of calves registered in the Republic of Ireland amounted to 2,356,231 up to the week ending December 25, 2020, according to Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF).

Factoring in the additional six days, these births are assumed to reach closer to 2.36 million as 2020 ended. It should be noted that more 2020-born calves can be registered up to January 26, 2021.

The figures illustrate a yearly rise of 34,882 in total calf births when comparing 2019 and 2020 up to the week ending December 25, 2020. 

It will come as no surprise for many that the number of dairy births this year has risen from 2019 levels. Up to the Christmas week, the year of 2020 recorded 1,508,293 births – witnessing a rise of 48,304 head in the number of dairy calves.

The number of beef births registered had experienced a decline of 13,422 head in 2020, as registrations amounted to 847,938 head.

Calf registrations up to and including the week ending December 25, 2020:

  • Pedigree registrations: 104,484 head (-2,208 head);
  • Beef births: 847,938 head (-13,442 head);
  • Dairy births: 1,508,293 head (+48,304 head);
  • Total births: 2,356,231 head (+34,882 head).

Weekly registrations

Taking a look at the registrations for the Christmas week, the number of pedigree calves registered were recorded at 518 head.

Beef births tallied in at 3,687 head, which had suffered a significant decline of 1,542 head compared to the corresponding week of 2019. The total amount of dairy births amounted to 3,387 head, which also recorded a slight decrease of 254 head.

Taking a look at the overall births recorded, this noted a total decline of 1,741 head, in comparison to 2019 – as a total of 7,074 head of calves were registered.