The number of cattle drafted for slaughter from controlled finishing units (CFUs) in the first five months of 2026 is running 30,000 head or 15% lower compared with the corresponding period in 2026.

There were 176,000 cattle slaughtered in EU-approved slaughter plants originating in CFUs for the first 22 weeks of the year compared with 206,000 head in 2025.

The corresponding figures for animals drafted from non-CFU herds was 501,887 head compared with 550,407 in 2025 equating to an 8.8% reduction.

The percentage of animals in the national kill from CFUs still remains significant at 26%, just 1% lower than its peak figure of 27% in 2025.

Throughput of animals from CFUs has grown steadily in recent years, rising from 20% of the kill for their first five months of 2021 to 23% in 2022, 24% in 2023, 25% in 2024 and 27% in 2025.

CFU farms

Farms designated as CFUs are holdings which operate a specialised finishing system and do not deliberately possess any breeding animals.

All animals on the holding can only leave the farm for direct slaughter and in the eyes of the Department must pose a low risk to surrounding herds.

For example, boundaries must prevent any contact with neighbouring livestock with double fencing, etc, put in place.

TB testing must take place periodically, but herds are not eligible for TB compensation. CFUs can purchase animals without restriction and can purchase animals from herds with restricted movements.