Ireland

Ireland sees increase in livestock population

Livestock

Higher figures were reported at the end of 2021 for sheep, cattle and pigs.

Posted on Mar 25 ,09:47

Ireland sees increase in livestock population



The Irish livestock sector has started the year on higher figures of its inventory. The number of cattle in Ireland increased by 1.8% to 6.6 million, sheep numbers rose by 2.9% to nearly 4 million, and the number of pigs rose by 2.1% to 1.7 million. (see figures for the last three years in the map below)

Irish livestock survey Dec-21 summary table1

The number of cattle aged two years and over was tighter compared to the same point a year ago, down 4% (-13,800 head). However, the number of cattle aged 1-2 years was 4% (68,000 head) higher, while the number of cattle less than a year old rose by 2.5%.

"This increase in cattle supply is expected to boost Irish beef production in 2022, particularly in the second half of the year," commented Hannah Clarke, AHDB analyst. Dairy cow numbers increased by 3.4% to 1.5 million, while the number of beef cows declined again to 890,000 head.
The number of ewes in Ireland increased by 2.1% year-on-year to 2.7 million head. The increase was driven by more ewes aged two years and over, while the number of ewes aged under two years old fell notably (-18%). For non-breeding sheep, numbers increased by 5.1% year-on-year to 1.2 million.
Non-breeding pig numbers grew by 2.4% year-on-year to 1.6 million, driven by a 13% increase in the number of pigs under 20kg. Every other weight band contracted in size, particularly those weighing 20kg-50kg.
The number of breeding pigs declined by 1.3%, largely due to a fall in the number of in-pig sows. In-pig gilts also experienced some decline.

 NEWSLETTER - Stay informed with the latest news!

Comments





Similar articles

GERMANY

Vion strengthens demand-driven chain concept Good Farming Balance for the future

Ever since Vion introduced Good Farming Star in 2010, the company has been at the forefront of bu...


Read more Read more
DENMARK

Danish Crown becomes co-owner of promising climate technology

It may sound strange that a burning gas torch at a slurry tank can reduce the climate footprint o...


Read more Read more
GERMANY

Germany: Poultry meat and eggs are produced sustainably and are important for a balanced diet

The recommended amount of meat consumed does not correspond in any way to the national consumptio...


Read more Read more
Websolutions by Angular Software and SpiderClass