Prime lamb values are also down for the fourth consecutive week, with latest reports in Scotland showing prices down almost half a pence on the week to level at 192.92p per live kg for a similar number sold.

This is almost 15p per kg lower than this time last year for almost 3200 fewer sold, but still slightly above the five-year average.

Overall, GB auction market throughputs remain 14% below year-earlier levels at 104,000 head as supplies remain tight.

The percentage of lambs falling within the SQQ weight band was 65%, which is the lowest level since May last year and four percentage points lower than this time in 2018, suggesting more lambs are being marketed at heavier weights, depressing the overall market.

Ewe prices in Scotland also slipped on the week at £55.36 per head, which compares to £56.57 last week and £58.39 this time last year as more come on the market after pregnancy scannings.