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GB cattle population smaller at 1 April
Thursday, 27 May 2021
The number of cattle on the ground in Great Britain declined again in April, according to the latest population data from the British Cattle Movement Service.
At 1 April, the total GB cattle population stood at 7.77 million head, 0.8% lower (-65,800 head) than the same point a year ago. This continues the general trend seen over the last two years, although it is less of a decline than we had been seeing in previous months.
Within this, the number of all cattle under 30 months of age remained fairly stable (+0.1%) at 4.82 million head. A 3% increase in numbers of dairy females outweighed declines in dairy males (-4%), beef males (-0.6%) and to a lesser extent beef females (-0.1%).
The breeding herd (dairy and beef females over 30 months of age) declined by 2% year-on-year to stand at 2.85 million head. The decline was evenly split between types, with both declining by around 31,000 head.
Prime cattle supplies
Short-term supplies of prime cattle (dairy males and beef cattle of both sexes aged 12-30 months, accounting for suckler replacements) declined by 3% (-42,200 head) to 1.49 million head. All categories remained tighter; dairy males by 15%, beef females by 1% and beef males by 2%.
Looking forward, the number of animals available for prime beef production under 12 months old (dairy males and beef cattle of both sexes, accounting for suckler replacements) increased by 1% year-on-year to 1.78 million head. All categories grew, with the majority of the rise coming from beef males and females (both +6,200 head). Dairy males increased by 4% in number, having been in decline for several months. This was largely driven by numbers under 2 months of age.
Breeding herd
The dairy and suckler breeding herds continued to shrink in April, with both herds down by 2% year-on-year to 1.47 and 1.38 million head, respectively. This follows a long-term trend of decline for both herds. However, the number of dairy females under 12 months old remains in annual growth, with numbers up 6% year-on-year at 1 April. This may signal some stabilisation in the future dairy herd.
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