The number of beef-sired calf registrations in 2017 was down 0.4% on 2016.

A total of 365,597 beef-sired calves were registered last year compared with 367,418 in 2016. Six breeds accounted for 92% of all beef calf registrations.

Limousin is the dominant breed sire for beef calves, accounting for 27.3% of all calf registrations, followed by Charolais on 23%.

However, both breeds recorded a 1% reduction in 2017.

In contrast, Aberdeen Angus calf registrations continue to rise, up 1.4% on 2016, making it the third most common sire choice. Hereford, Simmental and Belgian Blue are the fourth, fifth and sixth most common beef sires.

Beef-sired calves originating from the dairy herd accounted for 37% of all beef calves registered in 2017, compared with 27% in 2014.