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.
This Friesian bull calf born 17 January sold for €80.
There was strong appetite among buyers for Hereford-cross calves. Heifers sold for between €120 and €275.
Continental calves were in short supply. Of those available, most sold for between €150 and €300.
Angus calves sold well, with older calves in demand. Bulls sold for between €150 and €300, while heifers made up to €275.
This Jersey-cross bull calf born 16 January sold for €21.
This three-week-old bull calf sold for €95.
Stronger export-type Friesian bulls such as these sold for between €80 and €120.
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.
This Friesian bull calf born 17 January sold for €80.
There was strong appetite among buyers for Hereford-cross calves. Heifers sold for between €120 and €275.
Continental calves were in short supply. Of those available, most sold for between €150 and €300.
Angus calves sold well, with older calves in demand. Bulls sold for between €150 and €300, while heifers made up to €275.
This Jersey-cross bull calf born 16 January sold for €21.
This three-week-old bull calf sold for €95.
Stronger export-type Friesian bulls such as these sold for between €80 and €120.
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