Cattle marketing has improved by 4.3% year-on-year for the first half of the year, according to the Meat Board of Namibia.

The board facilitates the export of livestock as well as meat and processed meat products to importing countries.

According to the entity, cattle carcass prices during the third quarter were 9.82%, compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The weaners’ calf/B2 slaughter ox prices’  ration improved from 74% to 62%, while 44% of the total marketing of cattle took place at abattoirs across the country. 

Beef exports improved by 48% to just over 800 tonnes exported during 2022, despite export abattoirs slaughtering less. Given the historical trends, the entity said it would appear that weaners’ calf prices will be roughly N$40.49/kg to N$41.82/kg, while beef carcass prices will be around N$61.97/kg to N$63.13/kg.

In terms of sheep, the entity said the sector achieved a growth of 38%, with 459.542 sheep marketed so far during this year. Most sheep marketed were exported to Northern Cape abattoirs, which paid N$7.38/kg more for A grade lamb carcasses than Namibian abattoirs.

Meanwhile, the Meat Board was expected to present its annual abattoir and slaughter hygiene training on 1 December 2022 at Namatubis abattoir, Outjo in the Kunene region.

The training was to focus on abattoir and especially slaughter hygiene to make industry players aware of the importance of meat hygiene.

“Meat is a very successful medium for bacteria, and is the second-largest cause of food-related diseases. Eggs are number one,” the entity said in a statement.

During the training, emphasis was placed on animals’ welfare.

“Animal welfare has a direct effect on meat quality, but it’s also the responsibility of every producer towards the animal,” the statement reads. 

The entity furthermore had a warning for foreigners.

“Visitors to Namibia, especially during the December and January festive season, are requested not to import products from cloven-hooved animals for own use,” it cautioned. 

In this regard, the Meat Board said it has identified a 'Meat Route' that stretches across the country, where tourists can buy meat and meat products.

“The brochures are available at the border posts, as well as on the Meat Board of Namibia website,” they added.