Abattoirs report lamb numbers up but carcase weights lighter
Reduced carcase weights are limiting production volumes despite sheep and cattle numbers climbing during the first half of 2023, according to the latest UK abattoir data.
Prime lamb slaughterings have been strong so far this year with March recording the highest monthly throughput level of 1.2 million head, Defra figures reveal.
This is a result of a higher carry over of old season lambs into 2023 following a dryer summer and higher feed costs last year which delayed lambs coming forward at the end of 2022.
Looking at the figures, Glesni Phillips, Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC)’s Intelligence Executive, said: “Although new season lambs were slower to come forward initially, demand surrounding Easter and Ramadan encouraged higher numbers with June recording well over 1.0 million head.
“As a result, over 5.9 million lambs have been processed at UK abattoirs so far this year – up 4% (or 251,400 head) on 2022 levels, and 6% ahead of the longer term 5-year average.”
And it was a similar story with cattle: “Overall prime cattle throughput also recorded a year-on-year 1% increase at one million head while average carcase weights have been generally lighter to date during 2023,” Mr Phillips said.
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