A study in the Netherlands has found that Dutch farms rearing Irish calves require 30% less antibiotic usage than Dutch farms rearing calves from Germany or even the Netherlands, a spokesperson for Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has said.

This reflects Irish calves' superior health and welfare status, even after their journey, the spokesperson said.

In January, a range of new welfare rules were introduced for Irish livestock exports on 1 January, including new minimum space allowances for calves, that provide better conditions for the animals than those laid down in EU regulations.

Lairage space

Minister Creed has confirmed that his Department has received confirmation from the French veterinary authorities that the Pignet lairage in Cherbourg is now approved to take a total of 2,700 calves.

“This represents an extra 1,200 places over and above Pignet's previous capacity of 1,500 which had been in place over the past year.

“From Friday 13 March, permanent approval has been granted for 2,700 calf places. The other lairage, Qualivia, remains with 2,900 places giving a total capacity in Cherbourg of 5,600 calves.

“This represents a significant increase in capacity for the Irish calf export sector.

“The Minister wishes to thank his Department staff and their French counterparts for their efforts in securing this increased capacity,” the spokesperson said.