This is a subscriber-only article
Registrations of Aberdeen Angus calves in Northern Ireland last year reached 69,334, which is 19% higher than the previous year’s levels and 41% higher than in 2012, figures published by the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC) show.
Hereford calf registrations have increased by 136% in the last five years. In 2016, there were 28,310 Herefords registered in NI, representing a 24% increase on the previous year’s levels.
Bonus schemes for traditional breeds operated by processors in NI have led to the increased use of Angus and Hereford bulls on farms.
Bonuses vary between factories and schemes, but can be up to 40p/kg above average prices in England and Wales for cattle sired by Angus bulls.
The LMC states that processors have also seen an increase in demand for beef, from traditional breeds for premium orders, to major retailers and the food service sector.
Bulls
In 2016, 61% of Angus and 67% of Hereford calf registrations were from the dairy herd. Along with the bonus schemes, use of these bulls have suited many dairy farmers due to lighter calf weights, shorter gestations and reduced demand for dairy-bred livestock during the period of poor milk prices.
The LMC points out that finished Angus and Hereford cattle are generally lighter and more likely to meet processor specifications for carcase weight, if not for carcase grade.
In 2016, the average carcase weight of O+3 Aberdeen Angus carcase was 324.5kg and the average O+3 Hereford was 331.9kg, whereas the average non-premium O+3 steer was slightly heavier at 339.3kg.
SHARING OPTIONS: