JERSEY BULL OKURA TGM INSPECTOR WILL BE DOING HIS BIT THIS SEASON TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY AS PART OF CRV AMBREED’S MYSTERY CREEK FIELDAYS CAMPAIGN

Owned by Nelson Jersey breeders Warren and Louise Berry, Inspector is an exciting new dual index sire being marketed by CRV AmBreed in partnership with Liberty Genetics this year. In an effort to increase public awareness of Muscular Dystrophy Warren and Louise are offering $1/ straw sold from royalties on this bull to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Proceeds will also be donated from a high indexing Inspector yearling heifer from their ‘Riverina’ stud tendered for silent auction during the Fieldays.

Warren and Louise have a strong link with MDA since their 6 year old son Liam was first diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the most common form of this neuromuscular disorder, last year. Affecting 1 in 3,500 boys born in New Zealand every year, this condition is the result of a congenital or spontaneous faulty gene expressed in males only, causing a deficiency of the protein dystrophin allowing muscles to deteriorate and break down over time. Characterised by progressive walking difficulty and performing everyday tasks, this debilitating disorder considerably shortens lifespan. And there is no cure.

“The Muscular Dystrophy Association covers 60 different illnesses, from congenital MD at birth, right through to Motor Neurone disease which people get later in life,” says Warren. The non-profit Association works hard providing support for families like the Berrys but struggles financially despite campaigns such as their annual “Bow Tie” appeal. “Awareness is low as Muscular Dystrophy is not as visual in society,” points out Warren. “People with MD tend to stay out of the public eye because of mobility issues.”
 

However Warren and Louise hope their bull Inspector will help change that, as does CRV AmBreed. “We are very pleased to be able to help Warren and Louise bring greater visibility to the plight of Muscular Dystrophy sufferers and the need they have for financial support,” says CRV AmBreed Marketing Manager Peter Berney. “This is a very generous offer by the Berrys and we’d encourage dairy farmers to support one of their own.”

UPDATE

The winning bidder was Greg Mitchell from Atiamuri with his very generous bid of $2650 for ‘Abbis’.

Every cent of this bid will be donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a non-profit organisation that works hard to provide support and highlight the plight of families coping with this debilitating disorder.

Thanks must go to the breeders of Abbis, Warren & Louise Berry for their very generous offer. If you would like to donate, or would like further information about the Muscular Dystrophy Association, please visit www.mda.org.nz