As the livestock showing season approaches, cattle societies have warned that judges will be on the look-out for evidence of a cruel practice which they say has become a “serious problem” at shows. Exhibitors have been found pumping show cattle’s udders with gas before sealing them with superglue to improve their chances of winning.

Cattle societies have condemned the practice, which originated in North America and can cause severe discomfort to cows, and warned that discovery of teat sealing will lead to a ban. The RSPCA and Defra have also pledged to investigate anyone found to have adopted the cruel method of cheating; prosecution following such an investigation could lead to a £5,000 fine, a ban on keeping livestock and up to six months in jail.

The warning comes following the discovery of udder inflation and teat sealing at a Jersey Cattle Society show held last year. The exhibitor in question has been prevented from showing cattle until 2013. Following the discovery, other breeding societies have made it clear the practice will not be tolerated.

After the issue was raised at a conference in London last week, the British Veterinary Association recommended introducing routine udder ultrascanning at shows as a deterrent against the practice.

Senior government vet Alick Simmons commented on the scandal, “This practice is totally unacceptable and has serious welfare implications for the animals. I have alerted the veterinary associations to this issue and to remind show vets to be on the look-out for this disturbing practice.”

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