asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the purpose of the bull performance testing stations at Tully, County Kildare; how animals are admitted; and how sales are initiated and conducted.
Written Answers. - Bull Testing Stations.
56.
The purpose of the bull performance testing station at Tully, Kildare, is to identify superior sires, mainly of the beef breeds, for us both in AI and by pedigree breeders. The station has accommodation for 96 bulls.
Each year there is consultation with the breed societies concerned and all pedigree breeders are then circularised by my Department as to the detailed conditions for entry. All calves offered for testing are inspected by my Department and those deemed suitable are accepted for entry to the station subject to compliance with the veterinary requirements. The fee charged is £100 per bull. Arrangements for the sale of bulls at the end of the test are made by the breed societies concerned and my Department have no function in regard to the sales.