Viastar, the Meath-based cattle export company, has secured an export contract to Libya for Friesian bulls.

The ship is expected to be loaded before the end of the month and will be destined for Tripoli, the Libyan port. The ship will be able to carry 1,800-2,000 cattle.

A Viastar spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal: “We are looking for Friesian or Holstein Friesian bulls under 24 months of age and weighing from 380kg upwards, preferably over 400kg if we can get them.

“Bulls must have no horns, be in a healthy sate and be free from any ringworm or other skin conditions.” The Irish Farmers Journal understands that further consignments will take place before the end of the year.

Live cattle exports are currently running almost 9,000 (3.4%) head behind 2020 levels

The live cattle market from Ireland to Libya opened up again in 2013 after a 16-year break. There were 11,507 head, mainly dairy-bred bulls, exported to Libya in the period January to October 2020. This has fallen by over 6,500 head in 2021 to just 4,928 to date.

Live cattle exports are currently running almost 9,000 (3.4%) head behind 2020 levels.

The decrease has taken place in the weanling and calf categories, with no weanlings exported to Turkey in 2021 and a continued subdued EU veal market.

Northern Ireland has been the standout performer as an export destination, with 63,170 head of cattle exported to NI up to the end of October 2020. That was up 12,741 head on the same period in 2020, a hike of 25%.