Beef market update: BCMS data shows recent uptick in average slaughter ages for prime cattle

Key points

• As seen in previous analysis, the broad age distribution of cattle slaughtered in GB has remained the same, with peaks at 15, 23 and 29 months
• Age at slaughter varies by type of cattle, with dairy-beef cattle generally finishing later than suckler-bred animals
• Since 2021, the average age at slaughter has increased for all cattle types as strong cattle prices have likely incentivised increasing kill weights

Age distribution of cattle slaughtered

As seen in previous analysis:

• Slaughter numbers generally increase to a peak of around 22-23 months old
• We see another uptick at 29 months, which reflects producers wishing to avoid abattoir penalties for animals aged over 30 months. The number of animals being slaughtered at 29 months has increased in the past three years
• There is also a notable spike in male slaughter numbers at 15 months old. This group is most likely occupied by more intensively finished young bulls, but some systems will finish steers at these ages (it is not possible to split out steers and young bulls in the data)

Age distribution of non-dairy male cattle slaughter, GB

Source: BCMS, AHDB calculations

Age distribution of non-dairy female cattle slaughter, GB

Source: BCMS, AHDB calculations

Since 2021, we have seen a greater number of animals killed at and above the 23-month peak, with fewer being slaughtered at younger ages. This has caused an increase in the average age at slaughter.

We have seen overall growth in finished cattle prices over the last couple of years, with particular strength seen since the end of 2024. This may have incentivised producers to hold cattle on-farm for longer to maximise weight and total carcase returns, therefore increasing the average slaughter age.

Age at slaughter of prime cattle by type

Looking at prime cattle slaughtered between 12–30 months old, we see clear differences in the average age at slaughter dependant on the animal’s breeding.

Suckler-bred cattle have the lowest average age at slaughter, whereas dairy-beef cattle are slaughtered at the highest age, on average. As the proportion of dairy beef in total beef supplies continues to grow, this may also be contributing to the increase in average age at slaughter.

Changes to age at slaughter over time

While average slaughter ages have increased in recent years, zooming out to see the long-term trend shows that overall, beef cattle are still finishing younger than a decade ago.

We have seen the average age at slaughter fall in the last decade for all beef animals. In 2024, the average age at slaughter for a sucker animal was 659 days, compared to 677 days in 2014, a 3% reduction.

This long-term decline in days to slaughter for beef animals is likely reflective of improved productivity of cattle, with increased daily liveweight gain shortening the time taken for an animal to finish.

Average age at slaughter in days for prime cattle by type (12–29m inclusive)

Average age at slaughter of prime cattle by type, annual (GB)

Source: BCMS, AHDB calculations

However, we can see that the average age at slaughter for dairy male cattle has increased in this time, particularly in the last five years. This is likely in response to structural changes within both the dairy and beef industries.

Far fewer pure dairy male calves are now born, following the widespread uptake of beef and sexed dairy semen. Additionally, the slaughter age profile of the dairy male calves that are born has shifted over time, with less finishing at or before 15 months. Many now finish at or before 29 months, hence driving up the average age at slaughter for this group.

Conclusion

While the overall distribution pattern of cattle slaughter ages in GB remains consistent, prime cattle were slaughtered older on average in 2024 compared to three years before. Factors including strong beef prices, feed costs and changing breed profiles have likely all played a part. However, for most beef animals, the latest slaughter ages are still demonstrative of long-term improvements in productivity, being lower on average than a decade ago.

These trends highlight the complex interplay between market dynamics, production systems and breeding strategies in shaping the slaughter profile of cattle in GB.

You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.