Calf numbers rise by 16,000
January dairy and beef calf registrations jumped by more than 16,000 (23pc) compared to last year's figures.
While ICBF personnel were quick to play down the significance of the figures, the increase reflects the improved returns that beef and dairy farmers are currently enjoying.
"We've already seen a big increase in the number of replacements hitting the ground in dairy farms and it's likely that these figures are showing a similar trend in the beef sector," said ICBF's Dr Andrew Crombie.
But the geneticist cautioned that these were preliminary figures for 2012 and that the overall numbers could be less dramatic.
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