The Shorthorn Society has informed its members that, starting September 1, a new ‘U’ class will be introduced within the breed. This decision follows discussions with Defra and their current interpretation of Zootech regulations, which varies from previous advice given to the society.

In response to these changes, the Society has decided to review its registration approach, particularly concerning the refusal of certain registrations. As a result, animals carrying the Tibial Hemimelia (TH) gene mutation can now be registered under the new ‘U’ class from September onward. TH is a genetic disorder that can cause severe deformities in calves, including abnormal bone development and joint issues, often leading to early death or euthanasia shortly after birth.

MORE NEWS | Farmers lead badger TB vaccination study in Cornwall

MORE NEWS | Viking Energy cashes in on £2 million shutdown

Additionally, bulls carrying a double deletion of any myostatin variant will be eligible for registration in the Coates Herd Book under the new ‘U’ class. Bulls with single deletions of two distinct variants will also be permitted for registration. This marks a significant change from the rule introduced in 2021, which banned such animals from the herd book. Certificates for animals in the ‘U’ class will indicate that they are not recommended for pedigree breeding. Any offspring of a Class U animal will require full DNA testing, at the member’s expense, and the results will determine their eligibility for herd book entry.

Class U animals may be sold at Society sales and paraded but are not eligible for Society-sanctioned shows, including calf shows. Animals previously refused registration but now eligible under Class U can be registered at the current rate for animals under six months old. Clive Brown, operations manager, stated: “In light of the current interpretation of Zootech rules, the Society has created the ‘U’ class to allow these animals into the herd book while ensuring they are easily identifiable. There is a demand for some of these animals in the commercial sector, although many pedigree herds with strict breeding policies will avoid ‘U’ class animals. This change aims to increase buyers’ understanding of these animals.”