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Netherlands largest calf importer in the EU 20 Apr 2009

Netherlands and France are the largest slaughterers in the EU of male calves originating from the dairy sector for veal production. Of the around six million bulls slaughtered in Europe half of these are processed in the two countries, German statistical bureau ZMP reports.
The main suppliers of young calves are France, Germany and Poland.
 
Because of the increasing problems with Bluetongue disease and the related trade restrictions German calf exporters only have the Netherlands as an outlet for surplus calves. Almost 90% of all calves exported from Germany go to its western neighbour country.
 
Netherlands imported 772,000 calves in 2008, of which 47% came from Germany, 15% from Poland, 12% from Belgium and 8% from Lithuania.
 
Second in imports is Spain (400,000 calves), followed by Italy (380,000), France (117,000) and Germany (57,000).
 
Exports figures show that Franc exported 932,000 calves in 2008; Germany 415,000 and Poland 370,000 calves for veal production.
 
Price decrease
The crisis situation and oversupply because of the Bluetongue disease give momentum to the price decrease for black and white bull calves.
 
With on average € 80 per calf the lowest prices of the last decade were paid in 2008.
 
This price development and higher prices for market ready bulls made it more profitable for German fattening farms again to continue business.
 
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