In March 2023, the UK experienced a significant increase in clean sheep slaughterings by 21%, totaling 1240,000 head, as reported by Defra. This surge contributed to a 15% increase in mutton and lamb production compared to the previous year, reaching 28,000t. Although there was a slight increase in the number of prime cattle slaughtered, under-21-month-old bulls saw a decline. Conversely, the sector faced challenges, with a 15% reduction in clean pig slaughterings and an 18% decrease in pigmeat production in comparison to March 2022.