RIO DE JANEIRO, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Brazil, one of the world's leading producers of animal protein, posted record slaughter numbers for cattle, pigs and poultry in the first quarter of 2025, marking its best first-quarter performance since records began in 1997, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) reported Wednesday.

Between January and March, 9.87 million head of cattle were slaughtered, representing a 4.6 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 1.9 percent increase compared to the previous quarter.

What's particularly notable is the 11.3 percent year-on-year increase in the slaughter of female cattle, which accounted for nearly half of the total.

The IBGE attributed the increase to lower calf prices since 2022 and rising demand for premium beef. "This is driven by growing demand for higher-quality meat and international preference for younger animals," said research manager Angela Lordao.

"Brazil continues to produce large volumes of meat to meet strong domestic and international demand, particularly from China and the United States, which have increased purchases of Brazilian beef," Lordao added.

The first quarter of 2025 saw Brazil's best-ever export performance for both beef and pork, while chicken exports hit the highest level since records began, with its continued avian influenza-free status being key to sustaining strong international demand for poultry.

In pork production, 14.33 million head of pigs were slaughtered, up 1.6 percent year on year. Meanwhile, a record 1.64 billion head of poultry were slaughtered, up 2.3 percent from a year earlier.

Besides meat production, raw milk acquisition and egg production also showed solid growth. ■