How to take a Hair Samples for the genotyping process?

When taking hair samples as part of the genotyping process, please take 40-60 root follicles from the tail end of the animal. The root follicles should also be clean and dry.  This will prevent hair samples required to be retested again, which would also delay the turnaround time of genomic results.  The below images will help herd-owners on how to correctly take hair samples for genotyping. (more…)

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The impact of Genomics on Genetic Selection and Gain

Genomic Selection (GS) has made a significant contribution to profitability and sustainability on Irish dairy farms. The technology has transformed the genetic improvement in the national dairy herd and how the Dairy Gene Ireland breeding programme operates. Genomic selection refers to selection decisions based on genomic breeding values. (more…)

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Genomics Service for More Dairy Breeds Launched

We are pleased to launch the ICBF genomics service for additional Dairy breeds. There are now 16 dairy breeds eligible for a genomic evaluation. The 9 additional dairy breeds are BS, SI, MY, SR, KE, NO, RB, RD and MS. The cost to genotype dairy females as part of a group or individually is €22. Herds participating in the Dairy Gene Ireland breeding programme can avail of the discounted price of €18 for their 2021 & 2022 born females. (more…)

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Gene Ireland Focus – Keltic Rembrandt (LM8259)

The last bull on our Replacement Index list is Keltic Rembrandt (LM8259). This bull comes from the Keltic Limousin herd in Meath, who many Limousin breeders would know bred Keltic Handsome (OKH). OKH made it through the Gene Ireland progeny testing in 2014 and went on to be a very successful bull in Irish pedigree and commercial suckler herds with over 13,000 progeny registered to him. (more…)

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