Pregnancy claims trigger cross-border cattle farmer row
They have been advised by the Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers Association to never agree a compensation settlement over the phone without travelling to see the heifer in question.
And they should insist on a DNA test if in doubt about the true identity of the animals in question.
ICSA suckler chairman Frank Keogh said many weanling heifers from suckler herds here are bought by farmers and traders from the North, 99% of which are bona fide operators, but which include a tiny, unscrupulous contingent who are claiming false pregnancies.
“An unfortunate consequence of improved genetics of weanling females from suckler herds is earlier puberty which may result in unplanned pregnancies.”
“In recent years, pregnancy in heifers as young as seven months is not uncommon and as young as five and half months have been recorded. These heifers are not fully developed and are ill equipped to carry a calf,” said Mr Keogh.
“This is an animal welfare issue, and responsibility always remains with the farmers on whose farm the pregnancy occurred.”
He urged all farmers to ensure pregnancy prevention before the sale of stock.
