The Irish Simmental Cattle Society has asked judges to be mindful of overfed animals competing in shows over the summer.

In the letter seen by the Irish Farmers Journal sent to Simmental judges, it states that the council for the society has been looking at the direction the breed has been taking over the past few months.

They have particular concerns over the negative impact that overfeeding has on younger animals.

With this in mind, new maximum weight limits are being introduced for the national calf classes and calves that exceed these limits cannot be shown.

As part of the shift in policy, they have asked judges to play their part during upcoming summer shows and to be mindful of the policy to promote less feeding in young animals.

Last month a weight limit policy was introduced stating: “A maximum average daily gain (ADG) of 1.8kg/day for bulls and 1.6kg/day for heifers will be introduced on birth weights of 55kg and 60kg respectively.”

These new weight limits apply to all stock born after August 2017. However, it's now understood the weight limits have been increased to 1.9kg for bulls and 1.7kg for heifers.

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Judges asked to be 'mindful' of overfed cattle - Simmental Society

Following the introduction of new weight limits last month, the council for the Simmental Society has asked judges to play their part at summer shows.