While comments form Ned O’Keeffe attracted headlines in some quarters, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) forum on calf welfare was actually notable for the constructive nature of the majority of views.

Teagasc’s Laura Boyle said:“Bull calves naturally have a higher risk of death and disease in the first few weeks of life than heifer calves.

“That is true of all species including humans. A contingency plan, in case of farmer illness or a TB breakdown is necessary”.

Vet Conor Geraghty said that it’s important to talk about both breed and type, saying: “We have been using easy-calving bulls for a long time.

“We have to get our replacement level down to 18%.”

Ireland exported over 80,000 calves to the Netherlands for veal, Bord Bia’s Joe Burke said, adding that Irish calves are popular because they have lower treatment rates and lower mortality.

Martin Ryan of Glanbia said that farming needs to get better at telling its story, citing an article about the dairy and beef cow, referring to them as “the stay at home mother” and the “working mother” that gained traction internationally.

Farmer outrage

“I got a letter from Bord Bia with seven new rules about how to mind my calves, I don’t need anyone to tell me how to mind my calves, I need every one of them to thrive for me to survive,” responded one farmer from the floor.

“Teagasc is copying everything New Zealand is doing, and now we have the same problems as them – Jersey calves,” opined another.

“We have to send our sons and daughters to Teagasc colleges and they’re coming back with ideas about Jersey calves, which I don’t agree with,” said a third.