Forecasts of world bovine output for 2004 made by the Food and Agriculture Organization indicate a marginal rise to 61.9 million tonnes although MLC forecasts for the major countries would suggest a more significant increase of nearer two per cent. Marked increases are taking place in some of the major producing countries especially in South America, Oceania, China and Canada. Production in Japan has also been rising to meet increased demand but only as a result of herd liquidation. In contrast the marked reduction in the US is the result of the lower cattle herd and a sharp fall in cow culling. A smaller increase in world output is expected for 2005 in spite of further marked growth in Brazil and China. In the US, slaughter may be slightly lower in 2005 but carcase weights should be higher because of better availability of pastures and feed.
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