HC Deb 20 June 1991 vol 193 c265W
Mr. Maginnis

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the Northern Ireland stocking levels for cattle, sheep and pigs; and what stocking density per hectare this represents for cattle and sheep.

Mr. Hanley

[holding answer 18 June 1991]: At June 1990 the numbers of cattle, sheep and pigs on Northern Ireland farms were:

Number
Cattle and calves 1,506,000
Sheep and lambs 2,505,000
Pigs 590,000

Using appropriate factors to calculate grazing livestock units, the overall stocking density of grazing livestock in Northern Ireland is 1.3 cow equivalents per hectare of grass, forage crops and rough grazing.