From 1 January 2025, calves will only be eligible for a SSBSS payment if:
- their dam has a calving interval threshold of 410 days or less, or
- if the calf is the first registered birth associated with that dam
The 410 day calving interval threshold will remain unchanged for the 2026 scheme year.
You can read more about the rules in these Frequently Asked Questions.
For the new SSBSS scheme condition on calving intervals, the calving interval will be calculated based on ScotEID birth registration data. All calf births must be registered on ScotEID within 27 days of birth in accordance with the cattle identification and traceability regulations. Unregistered calves will not be considered when establishing a calving interval for SSBSS.
The cattle identification and traceability regulatory requirements for registering a live calf that dies or a still born calf are: