The latest figures from Bord Bia show that the total number of live cattle exported stood at 174,600 at the end of October. This is a reduction of 36,000 for the corresponding period in 2006, when 210,600hd had been shipped.

Apart from the movement of finished cattle to the north, exports are down in all classes of livestock.

Calf exports for the first nine months of the year are down 17,500hd. This reduction has been blamed on increased competition and disease problems in Holland.

Dutch veal farms traditionally take calves from the Irish and British dairy herds.

However, the outbreak of bluetongue in Northern Europe has resulted in cheaper calves from the south of Germany swamping the market.

Calf prices have collapsed as a consequence -- falling from €120/hd to €50/hd -- and this has undermined the viability of the export trade.

Margins within the veal trade have also been hit by the increased cost of skim milk powder. This has been reflected in lower demand for calves.

Source: Irish Independent