Calf numbers jumped from 400 last week to 700 this Monday, as calving season progresses.

The knock-on effects of the increase in numbers was seen in the sale ring.

Export calves

It was a tale of two halves for export-type Friesian bull calves.

Good solid Friesian bulls sold on average between €80 and €120, with the strongest and best-quality calves selling to €150.

The lighter calf under three weeks of age sod from €45 up to €80 in general, with small numbers below this range.

Beef-crosses

Friesian bulls certainly dominated the numbers. Of the balance of the remainder of calves on offer, Angus and Herefords topped the list.

Traditional beef breed-cross bull calves mainly sold for between €150 and €300, with heifers of these breeds selling for between €120 and €275.

Continental calves were like hens' teeth this week, but, as ever, there was a strong appetite among buyers for them.

Of the small number on offer, heifers sold from €200 to €300, while continental bulls sold for between €220 and €350.

The rest

There was a share of calves selling under €45 also.

Most of these were younger calves closer to two weeks of age and those from Jersey-cross herds, with Jersey-cross bulls and half-twin Friesian heifers in this bracket selling for up to €21.

Beef-crosses who appeared to look like they were from Jersey-cross cows with similar characteristics were selling for similar money to export-type Friesian bull calves.