Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 12 Dec 2000

Vol. 528 No. 1

Written Answers. - National Beef Herd.

Paul McGrath

Question:

165 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the age profile of the national dairy herd in the categories (i) under three years, (ii) three to five years, (iii) five to seven years, (iv) over seven years; and the quantities in each category. [29772/00]

Paul McGrath

Question:

166 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development the age profile of the national beef herd at the time of slaughter outlining numbers (i) below 30 months, (ii) 30 months to three years and (iii) over three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29773/00]

Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development (Mr. Walsh)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.

As regards the age profile of the national beef herd at the time of slaughter, the information requested is currently available in respect of the period 1 January to 27 November 2000 as follows:

Age Profile	Number of Cattle	Percentage
Under 30 months	822,367	46
30 months to three years	389,874	22
Over three years	559,850	32
Total	1,772,071	100

In so far as the age profile of the national dairy herd is concerned, it should be noted that the recording of the date of birth of bovine animals commenced in 1996 only. Thus, precise information is not available in respect of the age profile of cattle greater than four years of age. The following figures are estimates only and are based on an analysis of the age profile of all cows that had a calf in 2000 to mid-November.

Age Range	Number of Cows	Percentage
One to three years	299,295	14.2
Four and five years	906,552	42.9
Six years	525,125	24.9
Seven years and older	379,360	18.0
Total	2,110,332	100.0