A good entry of 300 fat cattle were met with steady buying demand at Ballymena Mart last week. Fat cows continue to be a strong trade, with fleshed cows attracting strong bidding interest. Prices peaked at £1,574 for an 820kg Limousin animal, making 192p/kg. Slaughter-fit cows sold from 170p to 190p/kg, with plainer cows suited to a short feeding period making upwards from 140p/kg depending on quality.

Friesian cows sold to £976 for a 660kg animal making 148p/kg, with feeding cows selling upwards from 105p/kg.

Fat heifers sold to £1,363 for a 640kg Angus animal, making 213p/kg. Good-quality continental types sold from 195p to 210p/kg, with plainer types making upwards from 180p/kg.

Fat bullocks sold to £1,684 for a 780kg Charolais animal, with cattle selling to a top price per kilo of 216p/kg for a 580kg Parthenaise animal which made £1,252. Friesian bullocks sold to 165p/kg for a 530kg animal which made £874.