Genotyping Programme Reopens To Applicants

In 2024 to date, over 628,000 calves have been genotyped.

The National Genotyping Programme opens to new applicants today, 06/08/2024.

The scheme first opened in May 2023, with over 10,600 participating herds and over 1.3m animals genotyped to date.

In 2023, over 700,000 breeding animals, from both dairy and beef herds, were genotyped. In 2024 to date, over 628,000 calves have been genotyped.

The application screens will go live on the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website today, Tuesday, at 2pm.

The reopening of the programme, which is open to both beef and dairy herd owners, is aimed at maximising the number of animals genotyped under the current cost-sharing model between the department, industry, and farmers.

The ICBF will continue to administer the programme.

The federation’s chief executive officer Sean Coughlan said that the ICBF “welcomes the opportunity to bring more herds into the programme”.

“This builds on the excellent momentum gained over the course of the programme so far and will provide more Irish farmers with the tools to make informed, data-driven decisions on farm,” Mr Coughlan added.

Breeding Decisions

Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue said this is a “world-class” initiative.

“The response to the programme has been very encouraging to date and by increasing participation, we are taking another significant step towards reaching my ambition of genotyping the entire national bovine herd,” the minister said.

“The genotyping programme is already facilitating the delivery of tangible benefits in terms of breeding decisions, which will have a knock-on benefit for climate action, animal health and productivity at farm level. 

“Genotyped weanlings and store cattle that are being traded through marts have their Commercial Beef Value (CBV) displayed on mart screens. 

“CBV is critical for rearers in purchasing animals and dairy farmers to receive feedback on breeding decisions. We have seen the influence of the CBV around the ring in recent months.”

(Source – Irish Examiner – Farming – Kathleen O Sullivan – 06/08/2024)