Up to 41,000 cows could be culled to meet nitrates derogation levels 

Tim Lombard said an 'animal welfare catastrophe' will occur if Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue does not intervene

Farmers affected will have three ways to meet the reduced limits on nitrates. These include reducing animal numbers, increasing the amount of land they have, or finding someone to take slurry from their holdings. Picture: Denis Minihane

Up to 41,000 cows could be slaughtered in the next 10 weeks as a result of changes to Ireland’s nitrates derogation, a Fine Gael politician has claimed.

Cork South West Senator Tim Lombard, a farmer, has said an “animal welfare catastrophe” will occur if Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue does not intervene.