The Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha generated extra demand in the factory trade, with throughput exceeding 70,000 in the week leading up to the festival. Competition was also boosted by greater activity from live exporters, with total numbers exported in 2016 increasing 16,097 to reach 48,036 head.

Exports were condensed into August and September, which accounted for 85% of total exports.

As can be seen in Table 1, there was impressive growth to Belgium and the Netherlands with live exports to France also marginally rising.

Demand was primarily for well-fleshed lowland lambs with a preference for ram lambs with long tails.

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