Search our website enhanced by Google.
GB cattle population stabilised by youngstock numbers
Thursday, 2 December 2021
The total number of cattle in GB on 1 October was virtually unchanged from a year ago, at 7.97 million head. Although, there was some movement within this total.
Starting with breeding cows (OTM females), numbers remained around 2% lower year-on-year, continuing the trend of the last couple of years. Both dairy and beef cow numbers were 2% lower.
Numbers of cattle aged under 12 months remained 2% higher year-on-year. A fall in numbers of dairy males was more than offset by increases in dairy females and beef animals of both sexes. Cattle numbers saw particular growth in the 6-12 month age bracket, while numbers of cattle under 6 months of age showed more modest growth. The dairy herd has seen increased birth registrations so far this year.
Prime cattle
Thinking about beef production, the number of prime cattle (dairy males and beef cattle of both sexes aged between 12-30 months, accounting for suckler replacements) was 1% lower than a year ago.
All types remained in decline, particularly dairy males. Beef males declined by a similar number to dairy males (~6,500 head), while beef females remained largely unchanged. Within the age brackets, numbers of prime cattle aged 18-24 months increased by 1%. However, this was not enough to outweigh lower numbers of cattle in the 12-18 month and 24-30 month age brackets.
Looking ahead, cattle supplies for beef production are looking to remain tighter for the rest of the year, and potentially into early 2022. However, higher numbers of youngstock could offer support to supplies towards the end of next year. Look out for our next Agri-Market Outlook, which we will be publishing in the New Year.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.