The ICBF is carrying out analysis into the economic value of polledness. It has previously carried out similar research and now wants farmers to take an anonymous survey on the issue again.

The body said no account is taken of the “hassle and animal welfare factors associated with disbudding”, and it wants to address that now.

“The ICBF is conducting this anonymous survey to gauge your perceptions of disbudding (dehorning) and its impact on your farm. The economic value focused on the direct costs to suckler beef farmers of either undertaking the disbudding themselves, or contracting the farm relief service to do it.”

It says results the results from the anonymous survey will be used to “prioritise and value breeding strategy options to increase levels of polledness on beef and dairy farms in Ireland”.

Anyone interested in filling out the survey can click here.

Read more

Deformed calves under the spotlight

Udderless heifers cost farmer €20,000