BVD calf compensation is confined to suckler cows

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney has said he confined BVD calf compensation to suckler herds because the “payback period” in suckler herds is more than twice that of dairy herds.

Research findings indicate that profitability improves as a result of the removal of BVD persistently infected (PI) animals from herds, and the payback period for the removal of these animals is very short (six months for dairy cattle and one year for beef cattle).

The compensation is now available for herd owners who comply with the conditions of the BVD Eradication Programme.

If they have two or more eligible beef breed calves, born on or after Jan 1, 2013, in suckler herds, with had an initial positive or inconclusive test for BVD, they must be removed from the herd, with a date of death notified to the Animal Identification Movement System; payment will be made at a rate of €100 in respect of the second and subsequent PI calves.