Cattle slaughter in Mato Grosso falls for the third consecutive month

In April 2025, the total number of cattle sent to slaughter in Mato Grosso reached 581.48 thousand head, the second-highest figure for that month in the historical series and 6.29 % higher than in March 2025. However, on a year-on-year basis it was the third consecutive monthly decline, suggesting that the peak in slaughter supply is now behind us.

Female cattle stood out, accounting for 56.81 % of the total with 330.36 thousand head, a month-on-month increase of 10.07 %. Nevertheless, their share continues to fall for the third straight month in the annual comparison, reflecting producers’ decision to retain breeding females in their herds, encouraged by rising calf prices.

In the short term, the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea) expects slaughter volumes to remain firm as producers adjust stocking rates on their farms. Nonetheless, with the onset of the drier period and the consequent deterioration in pasture quality, total slaughter—particularly the proportion of females—is likely to retreat in the coming months.