The batch of 60 2019-born heifers were weighed on Newford Farm, the 100-cow suckler-to-beef herd located in Teagasc Athenry, on Tuesday 14 July.

The average weight of the heifers was 485kg, with heifers achieving an average daily liveweight gain (ADG) of 0.66kg since turnout on 24 March.

Performance at grass is behind target, but heifers will be weighed again in a month’s time and this will give a greater picture of performance over a longer period of time. Lifetime performance is still good, with heifers averaging 0.88kg ADG since birth.

Analysis by Teagasc's Michael Fagan shows there are 22 heifers weighing in excess of 500kg liveweight. These animals range from 500kg to 576kg and are averaging 520kg.

There are 27 heifers averaging 475kg within a weight range of 450kg to 492kg, while this leaves 11 heifers with an average weight of 422kg.

Slaughter performance

There were two heifers drafted for slaughter this week. Farm manager Iarlaith Collins says these heifers were two well-conformed but small, butty heifers that were at risk of going overfat.

The two heifers slaughtered this week from Newford Farm. The heifer on the left was the better of the two.

The better of the two weighed 538kg and killed out at 53.7% to return a carcase weight of 289.9kg. She graded U-4= and with a sale price of €4.02/kg, grossed €1,165.32.

The second heifer weighed 504kg and achieved a similar kill-out of 53.6% to deliver a carcase weight of 270kg. The heifer graded R+3+ and with a price per kilo of €3.96/kg, returned a sale value of €1,073.44.

One of the two vasectomised bulls was also slaughtered on Thursday. The kill date was much earlier than planned, but the bull’s temperament had deteriorated greatly and posed a serious health and safety risk.

The bull returned a carcase weight of 315.4kg and with a grade of P=1+ as priced at €2.80/kg, this gave a sale value of €883.01.