Uruguayan Cattle Industry Faces Supply Concerns
URUGUAY - The Uruguayan meatpacking industry has become increasingly anxious about the high female cattle slaughter levels recorded during the past two years, with concerns as to how it will impact beef production moving forward.
Uruguayan cattle slaughter rates increased in both 2008 and 2009, mainly the result of a severe drought that hit eastern South America – which also resulted in the loss of a large number of calves, reports Meat and Livestock Australia.
Assisting the higher female cattle slaughter levels of recent years was also the need for producers to maintain cash flows, enticed by periods of strong cattle prices.
The Uruguayan Meatpacking Industry Association forecasts a drop in cattle supplies for 2011, which will impact export volumes.
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