The Department of Agriculture plans to tighten rules so that calves must be at least 10 days old to be considered fit for transport.

The rule will apply to farm-to-farm sales, as well as to mart sales. It will remain a rule that calves whose navels have not completely healed cannot be transported.

A mechanism allowing movement before 10 days would be available for occasional and very exceptional circumstances involving animal health or welfare issues, the Department told farm organisations.

IFA dairy chair Tom Phelan said: “Any changes must be practical and flagged to farmers well in advance of the peak calving season, which is now upon us. This will allow farmers plan for new management practices which may be required.”

It is vital for dairy farmers to be able to transport young calves in good animal welfare conditions, especially in the context of the development plans of the sector, he said.

“It is important to point out that our current welfare rules on transport of young calves are fully in line with EU Regulations.”

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