Decline in French Cattle Numbers in 2011
FRANCE - French cattle numbers in November 2011 were down three per cent year-on-year, with both dairy and beef herds back one per cent and two per cent, respectively, reports Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA).
2 March 2012
1 minute read
MLA states that a four per cent increase in adult cattle slaughter between January and November 2011 contributed to the decline.
Total cow slaughter increased nine per cent in the 11 months to November 2011, largely due to the culling of beef cows as a result of drought in the spring and lower profitability. The number of heifer replacements aged over two years was down seven per cent, indicating a further decline in cow numbers in 2012. The Institut de l’Elevage has predicted that female beef production is forecast to decline five per cent in 2012.
Male cattle numbers decreased four per cent, and consequently male cattle slaughter is likely to drop in the first half of 2012, with male beef production for 2012 forecast to fall by as much as six per cent year-on-year.
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