Teagasc is to contract-rear all dairy bull calves born at the Moorepark research centre in 2020.

The deal, involving contract rearers from across the country, will see 400 calves reared on contract for a fixed price per day, subject to agreed liveweight gain targets.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands Teagasc will retain full ownership of the stock and take all the risk associated with the potential market value of the animal at the end of the rearing period.

As part of the programme, calf rearers will be provided with advisory backup and the programme will be based on agreed protocols and contract-rearing agreements.

The calves will be a mix of Holstein Friesian, Holstein-Friesian/Jersey crossbred and beef crossbred male calves.

As part of the programme, various market outlet opportunities will be evaluated.

However, unlike the loss-making scheme operated last spring at the Shinagh Estates farms in Bandon when the calves were sold after weaning, the Moorepark calves will be reared on contract for at least one year.