OPEN: National Beef Welfare Scheme

The objective of the National Beef Welfare Scheme (NBWS) is to further increase the economic efficiency of and enhance animal health and husbandry on suckler farms.

Requirements of the Scheme

There are two actions in the scheme and both are mandatory.

Action 1 – IBR Testing

Each participant must commit to participate in the IBR testing action managed by ICBF on behalf of DAFM. They are required to engage a PVP who will blood sample and test up to twenty bovine animals per herd, ideally 9 months old (if feasible) or above if present in the herd, or all ages if there is less than 20 in the herd for IBR gE antibodies. Where a herd has twenty or more bovines, a minimum of twenty must be tested.

Action 2 - Meal Feeding pre-weaning and post-weaning

Participants must introduce meal feeding for a period of 4 weeks pre-weaning and 2 weeks post-weaning

Participants will be presented with the number of eligible calves born on their holding between 01 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 at application stage. Participants will have the option at application stage to select the number of calves that will be meal fed. The number cannot be greater than the number presented but it can be less. Calves must be supplemented with compound feeding stuff containing appropriate minerals and vitamins. The rate of payment is €35 per calf for a maximum of 40 calves.

Closing Date: 12th of September 2023.

For more information or to apply, please contact the office on:

Phone - 085 839 1019

Email - atempleagriconsultancy@gmail.com