Premium Calf Scheme Opens For Registration
UK - Registration has opened to farmers in northern England and Scotland for the SureCalf programme, under which sellers of suckler calves earned a £35/head average premium at the past three years’ autumn sales.By registering for the programme at www.surecalf.co.uk or 0800 668 1886, calf sellers receive a Declaration Certificate which they pass to the buyer of each batch of calves along with a SureCalf voucher contained in each animal’s passport.
The programme requires pre-sale vaccination against the three main viral instigators of respiratory disease—RSV, Pi3 and IBR—and the immuno-suppressive BVD virus. Vaccination comprises two doses, three to four weeks apart. The second dose must be given at least two weeks before sale, and the likely cost is less than £15/head.
SureCalf’s promoter, Pfizer Animal Health, has informed all the main cattle auctioneers in northern England and Scotland about the programme, encouraging them to give registered sellers a high profile in pre-sale catalogues and on sale day itself. The scheme is also being advertised by Pfizer to calf buyers, to stimulate strong demand for SureCalf animals. Potential buyers and sellers alike can obtain more information from the website or free-phone enquiry service or their own veterinary practice.
TheCattleSite News Desk