Almost 2,100 heavy bulls were loaded for export to Libya last week in Waterford by Purcell Brothers.

The load was made up of half continental beef breeds and half Friesians, at weights of up to 650kg.

The cattle were brought from farm of origin to the exporter’s assembly yard in Waterford to be checked by the Department of Agriculture and cleared for export.

This was the third boat of bulls exported from Ireland to Libya in 2020

Purcell Brothers said that the clearance of the stock for export and subsequent loading ran quickly and without hitch.

This was the third boat of bulls exported from Ireland to Libya in 2020 and brings the total number exported to the country this year to over 5,635 head.

This is an increase on 2019. By this time last year, exports to Libya were 4,211 head.

Exports to Turkey, meanwhile, are running in line with last year, standing 2,910 head versus 2,859 a year ago.