Farmers affected by the restrictions on animal movement have been urged to contact agricultural advice body Teagasc on the most cost effective methods to deal with the problem. Mr Tony Pettit of Teagasc said dairy farmers now have upwards of 50,000 calves on their farms, which would normally be sold to beef farmers. A further 100,000 cattle which would normally be sold through marts are affected by movement restrictions.
"There can be no expectation of any relaxation of the movement restrictions in the short term. Therefore the surplus of animals on many farms will become more acute," he warned.
"This is causing considerable labour, housing and feed difficulties on many farms. Advice is available from Teagasc on feeding, economics and animal welfare," he added.
For farmers with surplus stock and limited feed, Mr Pettit said buying concentrate feed rather than hay or silage was the best and cheapest option. "The most urgent requirement for these farmers is to apply fertiliser immediately in order to boost spring grass growth." He stressed that spreading animal slurry is not recommended.