In the second quarter of 2005, 7.257 million cattle were slaughtered, indicating increases of 12.48% compared to the first quarter of 2005 and 12.94% ...

CATTLE

In the second quarter of 2005, 7.257 million cattle were slaughtered, indicating increases of 12.48% compared to the first quarter of 2005 and 12.94% in relation to the second quarter of 2004.

In this period, the number of bulls represented 46% of the total of cattle, cows 38% and bullocks 17%. The total carcass weight was 1.649 billion kilos, recording an increase of 12.32% in relation to the second semester of 2004 and 13.42% compared to the first quarter of 2005.

The states of São Paulo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goiás recorded the highest number of slaughtered animals. In the North Region, Pará and Rondônia increased their participation in the overall result.

HOGS AND PIGS

Regarding hogs and pigs, 5.840 million were slaughtered, which represented an increase of 8.01% compared to the second quarter of 2004 and 9.54% compared to the first quarter of 2005. There was also increase in the carcass weight: 15.97% compared to the second quarter of 2004 and 12.19% compared to the first quarter of 2005.

In relation to the Federative Units, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, Paraná and Minas Gerais lead the slaughtering.

CHICKEN

949.581 million poultry were slaughtered, representing increases of 5.01% compared to the first quarter of 2005 and 9.48% compared to the second quarter of 2004. The increase in the carcass weight was 12.68% in relation to the second quarter of the previous year and 7.87% compared to the first quarter of 2005.

The main States that slaughtered chicken were: Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. Still in the second quarter of 2005, it was observed an increase in the exported volume and value in relation to the same period of the previous year.

ACQUISITION AND INDUSTRIALIZATION OF MILK

In the second quarter of 2005, the inspected industrial establishments acquired 3.853 billion liters of milk, which represents an increase of 17.38% compared to the second quarter of 2004 and a negative change of 2.82% compared to the first quarter of 2005.

Minas Gerais was responsible for almost 30% of the production of the national milk, followed by São Paulo and Goiás.

In relation to the first quarter of 2005, it was observed in the second quarter an increase in the exported volume of milk "in natura", indicating in the month of May the highest volume exported in the period. Still in the same comparison, it was observed a decrease in the volume as well as in the value of the exported powdered milk.