LIMOUSIN CATTLE Society members have been alerted to a "DNA parentage identity issue" with the pedigree Limousin bull Ballinloan Jaegerbomb.

In a letter sent out to members on March 13, the society said: "Every effort is presently being made to resolve this issue.Whilst the DNA testing work is ongoing, the society feels that it is important and necessary to bring the issue to members' attention as quickly as possible."

Semen from this bull has been available through a number of outlets – but with the parentage in question, the BLCS is advising no further purchase or use of semen held from this bull until further notice. This is also relevant to any forthcoming sales or purchases of cattle sired by this bull, said the letter.

Registration applications for new calves sired by this bull can still be made, and they will be put in the society's 'holding tank' but will not be approved and fully registered until the situation is resolved.

"A number of progeny have already been registered to this sire," said the BLCS. "Those animals will be temporarily suspended in the Limousin Herd Book until a resolution around the bull's parentage is reached. All members owning these animals will be contacted directly by the society as soon as the situation is clarified."

The bull is currently owned and marketed by Ian Handley of the Gunnerfleet herd – and members were advised that there was no implication of impropriety or wrongdoing on the part of Mr Handley in connection with this matter, and the statement was being made with his full support.

"The breeder of the bull, Stuart Fotheringham of the Ballinloan herd, is taking all steps to help in identifying the dam," added the BLCS letter.

Back in 2015, when Ballinloan Jaegerbomb sold at Carlisle as the junior champion, it fetched 24,000gns, having been male champion at Perth Show and junior male and reserve male champion at the Scottish National Show in Turriff. At that time, its breeding was given as being by Ampertaine Foreman out of the Neuf daughter, Ballinloan Fruttela.