Animal Feedstuffs

Tuesday, 18 November 2025

Ceisteanna (860)

Robert O'Donoghue

Ceist:

860. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department has examined the findings of the recent research published in the Journal of Dairy Science (August 2025), which shows that prolonged periods without feed cause dehydration, hypoglycaemia, low energy, muscle fatigue, and other stress responses in unweaned calves, and that enhanced pre-transport feeding cannot fully prevent such harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63369/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

My Department takes its responsibilities in the matter of animal welfare very seriously and exercises close oversight and deploys considerable resources to the area of animal welfare in general, including in respect of animals prior to and during transport.

My Department is aware of the research report referred to by the Deputy and welcomes all research and scientific studies aimed at improving the welfare of animals at all stages of their lives including pre-transport.