Teagasc is currently seeking submissions from potential suppliers for an in-lorry system to feed calves in-transit.

According to the agriculture and food development authority, the objective of this project is to appoint a supplier who will design, install and support mobile feeding systems for feeding calves while they are being transported.

Along with being installed in new units, the system should be able to be retrofitted to the truck trailers currently in use.

Teagasc outlined that the system will need to meet the following criteria:

Feed calves automatically by pen;
Control of feed volume and access time (e.g. 2 litres every 9 hours);
Individual feeding to prevent calves overfeeding;
Facilitate the smooth operation of the truck;
Automatic system to alert operator/truck driver of issues such as the feeder not working.

Teagasc has now commenced the first stage in a competitive process where interested parties complete a questionnaire in order to be considered for inclusion on a tender list.

"The purpose of this pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ) is to identify entities interested and with a track record in the provision of calf feeding systems who can meet our requirements," Teagasc said.

Following evaluation, a maximum of five applicants, should that number qualify, will be invited to tender.

Teagasc said that only suppliers invited to participate may submit an initial tender which shall be the basis for the negotiations.

This can be followed by several rounds of negotiation in order for the contracting authority to seek better offers.

The closing date for the submission of questionnaires is 5:00p.m on August 12, 2025.

Data from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) shows that as of Friday, June 20, a total of almost 214,000 calves have been exported from Ireland, which is up 12% from the same time last year.

The Netherlands remains the largest market destination for Irish calves, with 83,500 calves sold to the country in the first 27 weeks of this year.

Spain is the second-largest export market destination for calves at 77,498 head, followed by Poland, Italy, and Northern Ireland purchasing 21,900, 18,200, and 7,000 Irish calves respectively.