Breeders show healthy take-up.

Breeders' participation in The British Limousin Cattle Society's Herd Health Initiative has continued to grow with 94 herds, representing over 3,200 pedigree Limousin calves, having registered for the financially 'incentivised' initiative.

At the end of the second year, of what is initially a four-year pounds 100,000 commitment by the BLCS, uptake has grown by 24%.

The British Limousin Herd Health Initiative offers financial support to breeders who make a long-term investment into herd health assurance by 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 12-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 BLCS will pay out over pounds 6,400 to participating herds for 2006. Chief executive Iain Kerr said: "These figures are 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 staring with the Premier May Sale at Carlisle.

The aim is 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.