The British Limousin Cattle Society has withdrawn animals from its herdbook.
It has published a 15-strong list with the names and tag numbers of cattle carrying the Mereside prefix.
A spokesperson on behalf of the BLCS council of management advised that all use of the animals (on the list) for pedigree breeding, including the use of semen, embryos, and oocytes, should cease with immediate effect until further notice.
“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 They have, therefore, been withdrawn from the herdbook.”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 society issued a statement on Tuesday, January 11th, 2022, following what it described as “instructions from DEFRA”.
Limousin cattle withdrawn
| 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 |
Pedigree status
Continuing, the spokesperson said:
“Whilst seeking urgent clarification from DEFRA, it is the society’s present understanding that all existing progeny & 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 22/12/2021 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 said it understands that this is “extremely” concerning for “many” members.
It added that it is “working hard” in the “best interests” of all members.
The society claims that it does not have any further information available at the time of writing.
