There was a huge demand from buyers for in-calf and calved heifers from Ryan Burnside, Donaghmore at Ballymena Mart on Tuesday.

Heifers with calves at foot averaged £4,399, up £1,369 from last year’s sale, while in-calf heifers averaged £3,576, an increase of £756.

A total of 49 calved heifers were on offer, with a top of £5,600 paid for a Limousin cow with heifer calf at foot.

The next highest price of £5,200 was paid for a Belgian Blue cow, also with a heifer calf at foot.

Out of 17 springing heifers sold, the top price was £4,000.