Posted by Peter Thornton on February 22, 2004 at 21:47:46:
In Reply to: Compulsory Bull Inspections ? posted by Kate Reed on February 10, 2004 at 21:40:14:
Having been away for a week, I see the debate has "hotted up" a little!!
It seems to me that there are 2 sides to any inspection.
1. To check for the absence of faults
2. To look for evidence of particular merit
The Elite bull scheme would seem to fulfil 2.
I agree that a basic, compulsory, inspection to look after point 1., would be useful. This would help to eradicate any faults in the breed but should NOT be used to try to change the direction of the breed.
IF the society wants to do this (alter the breed) then it should be done by the show judges, who have the power to influence the type of animal gaining awards.
I would warn council (although I'm sure that they are aware) that a compulsory bull, inspection would certainly lead to the occasional dispute - especially when the bull has already served a cow - and the society needs to be very clear about where it places the pass/fail mark.