The British Limousin Cattle Society (BLCS) has removed 15 cattle from its herdbook on the back of concern from government.
Following instructions from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the society issued the following statement to its members:
“All use of the following animals for pedigree breeding including the use of semen, embryos and oocytes should cease with immediate effect until further notice from the society.
“These animals are first generation progeny bred from a batch of imported semen from Jacot 36-94-005-555 which Defra has concern over. They have therefore been withdrawn from the herdbook.”
The 15 animals are as follows:
| MERESIDE LORENZO | UK 201316/101812 |
| MERESIDE LADYBIRD | UK 201316/401794 |
| MERESIDE LAWBREAKER | UK 201316/201813 |
| MERESIDE LEAHMARIE | UK 201316/301814 |
| MERESIDE LEGOLAS | UK 201316/301863 |
| MERESIDE LIONHEART | UK 201316/301807 |
| MERESIDE LISAMARIE | UK 201316/601817 |
| MERESIDE LONGBOW | UK 201316/401822 |
| MERESIDE LUCINDA | UK 201316/101833 |
| MERESIDE LYNMARIE | UK 201316/401815 |
| MERESIDE OLILY | UK 201316/302087 |
| MERESIDE OPHELIE | UK 201316/602083 |
| MERESIDE ORANGINA | UK 201316/702084 |
| MERESIDE OUTLAW | UK 201316/702070 |
| MERESIDE OZARK | UK 201316/102085 |
Continuing the statement, BCLS said:
“Whilst seeking urgent clarification from Defra, it is the society’s present understanding that all existing progeny and descendants that are currently in the herdbook from the above will remain as full pedigree animals in the herdbook subject to meeting the usual herdbook requirements.
“Progeny born on or after December 22, 2021, cannot currently be registered, but they can be birth notified in the usual manner.
The society is seeking clarity on the wider situation and all members will be kept informed.
“The Council of Management understand that this is extremely concerning for many members and is working hard in the best interests of all members. Whilst the society does not have further information available at this time, if you are directly affected by this matter and would like to discuss it, please get in touch.”
The reason for the department’s concern is not yet known.
