The number of cattle slaughtered in Ireland rose by 2.4% between January to October 2024, according to latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published today (Thursday, November 28).

Cattle slaughterings in the 10 months to October were estimated to be approximately 1.6 million head which represented an increase of almost 37,000 head compared with the same period in 2023.

According to the latest 'Livestock Slaughterings' report from the CSO the number of pigs slaughtered from January to October 2024 went up by 1.5% when compared with the same 10 months in 2023.

Pig slaughterings were estimated to be approximately 2.8 million head - a rise of almost 41,000 head on the same period in 2023.

However while both cattle and pig slaughterings rose there was a decline in sheep slaughterings throughout the year.

The number of sheep slaughterings contracted between January to October 2024 by almost 167,000 head to approximately 2.5 million head when compared with the same 10 months in 2023.

The latest CSO statistics are based on figures from 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.

Meanwhile specifically analysis of the figures for October 2024 compared with October 2023 reflect the ongoing trend throughout the year.

Mairead Griffin, statistician in the CSO agriculture accounts and production section, said: "Cattle slaughterings grew by 6.9% to 187,000 head in October 2024 when compared with October 2023.

According to latest market trends identified by Bord Bia prime cattle throughput in the year to date "is currently on par with the same period last year at 1,559,351 head although a notable tightening in prime cattle availability is expected as we move into the final quarter of the year".

It has warned that "a contraction in cattle numbers on the ground and a lively export trade have contributed to this outlook" with numbers expected to remain tight for much of 2025.

Bord Bia also highlighted that average carcase weights also continue to trend "below previous years with the combination of a challenging grass growing season and a growing dairy influence on the prime cattle kill playing a role in the decline".

"The downward trend in average carcase weights is expected to continue in the short to medium term with calf registrations to suckler cows continuing to decline, while the number of beef sired calves produced from the dairy herd continues to increase," it stated.