The latest analysis of calf registrations by ICBF shows recovery in suckler births.

Total beef births for the week ending 23 May stood at 553,207, a fall of 33,538 calves or 6% on last year’s levels.

While beef calf registrations have fallen, the situation in beef was feared to have been much worse, with registrations standing at 60,000 less calves at the start of March.

The later calving comes as a direct consequence of the fodder crisis in 2013 negatively affecting beef cow reproductive performance.

While beef registrations have recovered and births from dairy cows have increased by 32,796 calves, it will still not stop cattle supplies tightening significantly in 2015.

The lower beef births and higher live exports in 2012 are predicted to leave over 100,000 less male cattle in the 0-12 month’s age bracket. The trend will be much clearer when the next AIM analysis of the national herd is carried out for April and May.

The deficit could continue to rise given the strong live export trade from a number of markets.

Quinn International sent another shipment of bulls to Libya on Monday last, with demand for high-end E and U grade cattle in Italy particularly strong at present.

Live exporters are cautioning farmers not to buy into the negative propaganda surrounding bulls and are advising farmers with cattle to look at all available markets before making a decision to castrate bulls. Meanwhile, continued high throughput is maintaining pressure on factory prices.