The trade of cattle between Ireland and the rest of Europe came under threat as the ban on UK calf exports was lifted today.
The 10-year ban on UK beef had been imposed the stop the spread of mad-cow disease. However, EU vets agreed to lift the ban earlier this year as a result of falling cases of BSE in the UK.
The UK beef industry is hoping the end of the ban will help it claw back trade previously worth around £650 million per year.
According to a Bord Bia report, Ireland exported 84,000 head of live cattle this year, an increase of 55 per cent.
"Most of this rise has been due to a jump of 25,000 head in calf exports while shipments of weanlings to the Continent are 11,000 head higher," said the food board.
"The impending return of UK calf exports will reduce the competitiveness of Irish calves, particularly in the Dutch market," the report said.
From today UK cattle born on or after August 1st, 1996 may be exported, along with beef from cattle slaughtered on or after June 15th, 2005.
Restrictions will remain in place for beef containing vertebral material and for beef sold on the bone.
France - which was previously the largest importer of British beef - is expected to allow imports from tomorrow after its own legislation has been amended.