Breeders’ participation in The British Limousin Cattle Society’s Herd Health Initiative has continued to grow with 102 herds, representing 3,565 pedigree Limousin calves, having registered for the financially incentivised initiative.
At the end of the second year, of what is initially a four year £100,000 commitment by the BLCS, uptake has grown by 37%.
The British Limousin Herd Health Initiative offers financial support to breeders who are making a long term investment into herd health assurance through being a member of a Cattle Health Certification Standards (CHeCS) approved scheme. Herds within a CHeCS scheme are able to make a claim each year based on the numbers of calves they have pedigree registered in the preceding twelve month period.
To receive the financial support, pedigree herds need to adhere to the terms of a CHeCS licenced scheme and have an approved animal health scheme in place through either the Biobest Herdcare Scheme, SAC Premium Cattle Health Scheme or the HI Health Scheme. This must include a whole herd test for Johne’s disease. As a result of the increased uptake, The British Limousin Cattle Society will pay out over £7100 to participating herds for 2006.
Commenting, British Limousin Cattle Society Chief Executive Iain Kerr said: “These figures are very positive. The financial commitment to herd health is a principal and long term part of the Society’s technical drive to provide customers and breeders with cattle that combine the highest visual and genetic quality with an assured high health status.”
In an extension of Herd Health policy, the Society is set to introduce the standardisation of herd health declarations and information at Collective Society Sales commencing with the 2007 Premier May Sale at Carlisle.
The principal aim will be to provide breeders and customers alike with standard, clear, and accurate herd health information at the point of sale and within the given sale catalogue.
