Live cattle exports climbed to their highest level in six years in 2006 when a quarter of a million animals were exported.
An Bord Bia said the export surge reflected a strong demand from the Continent, particularly for calves, and a buoyant European beef trade throughout the year.
The 35 per cent increase was led by Spain which was the primary destination for Irish cattle last year, importing almost 72,000 head, all under a year old. This represented a 44 per cent increase in the trade between here and Spain.
Shipments to Italy were up by 41 per cent to stand at just under 67,000 head. Calf exports to the Netherlands also increased over the year, from 8,000 to 51,000 head.
Ireland became one of the main suppliers of young animals for the veal trade on the Continent when the UK was prevented from exporting live animals because of BSE. However, that ban was lifted last year and Irish exporters will find growing competition from UK exporters.