Heifers are the star of the domestic market

The shortage of steers and the high prices paid for slaughter cattle are pushing processors to work increasingly with heifers. So far this year (to 19 April) total cattle slaughter is up 3.5% year-on-year, with a modest rise in the number of steers and a similarly modest drop in cows. Heifer slaughter, however, has jumped a solid 18.5 %.

The figures are attractive. Both domestic operators and exporters are paying around US$ 4.45-4.50 per kilo carcass weight, and a short finishing period yields animals with an excellent fat cover that the domestic market values highly.

Demand for this category is intense, mainly from feedlots. These cattle have a very interesting outlet on the domestic market: with a stay of little more than 60 days in the feedlot, they finish well, and sides give high yields for butchers. “The feedlot heifer is becoming the star of the domestic market,” said Alejandro Berrutti of United Breeder’s and Packers (UBP).

Jorge López, head of Abasto Santa Clara, confirmed the domestic market’s preference for heifers, noting advantages such as meat and fat color, cut size and tenderness. “Few butchers still prefer heavy sides; most of them choose 90-kg sides, which come from heifers.”

Annual heifer slaughter had stabilized at around 300 000 head after the 2021/22 peak, but began to rise at the start of this year. In the 12 months to March, 314 000 heifers were processed, the highest figure since the 12 months to March 2023. Attractive prices and the relative scarcity of young steers also help explain the increase. Expectations are that heifer slaughter will keep growing in the coming months and could approach 350 000 head in 12 months.