The boat is expected to carry 2,000 forward continental bulls.

The boat, which is being sent by the Purcell Brothers, will sail from Waterford and is expected to take two weeks to arrive in Turkey. It is Purcell’s fourth shipment of 2017.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that the bulls, which are up to 600kg, were gathered over the last number of weeks.

Currently, prices for young bulls range from €2.25/kg to €2.35/kg for cattle up to 600kg.

According to Minster for Agriculture, Michael Creed, live exports of cattle are up 43% in 2017 from same time in 2016.

He told last week’s Beef Forum that “live exports were the shining light of the trade”.

More loads expected

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods also acknowledged the performance of the sector. "The live export trade is operating very strongly with more loads are being planned with buying already under way in the marts" Woods said.

To date this year 139,155 animals have been exported with 10,171 heads sent to Turkey.

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