Sixty cattle presented for slaughter at a meat factory in the Republic of Ireland were detained by the Department of Agriculture last week, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

The cattle did not satisfy routine pre-slaughter checks made by the Department of Agriculture official at the factory.

Issues with the cattle's movement history were identified and the cattle were detained.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that, as part of an ongoing investigation, the decision was taken to slaughter the animals the following day.

The carcases remain detained in cold storage, pending the outcome of that investigation.

It is understood that the cattle originated in Co Donegal and were being slaughtered on contract by the meat plant for export to Northern Ireland.