The number of cattle slaughtered in beef export plants has passed the 36,000 head mark for the second time this month.

Figures from the Department of Agriculture show that the total kill for the week ending October 23 stood at 36,199 head, an 1.4% increase on the previous week’s total.

This follows on from the week ending October 9, when the weekly beef kill passed the 36,000 head mark for the first time this year.

This week’s rise was driven by increases in the numbers of young bulls, up 19.9% (437 head), and cows, up 5.6% (443 head), while all other categories fell.

Aged bulls, steers and heifers all posted falls in throughput during the week ending October 23, with supplies down by 41 head (7.7%), 199 head (1.1%) and 102 head (1.3%) respectively.

Week-on-week beef kill changes:
  • Young bulls: +437 head or +19.9%
  • Aged bulls: -41 head or -7.7%
  • Steers: -199 head or -1.1%
  • Cows: +443 head or +5.6%
  • Heifers: -102 head or -1.3%
  • Total: +516 head or +1.45%

Cumulative beef kill

Compared to the same period in 2015, there has been an extra 61,557 head of cattle slaughtered in Department of Agriculture approved plants.

Official figures show that young bulls continue to account for over half of this increase, with year-on-year supplies increasing by 28.6% or 34,889 head.

Culled cows have also increased by 22,684 head (8.7%), while heifer throughput is the other main contributor to overall increase.

Cumulative steer supplies remain steady or very similar to 2015 levels, figures from the Department show, showing less than a 1% or 2,788 head rise.

However, aged bulls have seen a marked decline of 4,119 head or 14.2% so far this year compared to the corresponding period last year.

Year-on-year beef kill changes:
  • Young bulls: +34,899 head or +28.6%
  • Aged bull: -4,119 head or -14.2%
  • Steers: +2788 head or +0.6%
  • Cows: +22,684 head or +8.7%
  • Heifers: +5,340 head or +1.59%
  • Total: +61,557 head or +4.9%