ICBF were delighted to attend the recent ABP Open Day which celebrated a decade of research on the ABP Demo Farm in Co. Carlow.
As part of the event, Niall Kilrane from ICBF presented a board on the importance of the ICBF Dairy Beef Gene Ireland Programme which involves industry collaboration between ICBF, Teagasc, ABP and the leading AI companies.
The Gene Ireland Dairy Beef Programme is a nationally coordinated initiative designed to provide dairy farmers with access to high-quality beef genetics. Launched in 2015, with the goal of enhancing the profitability of beef produced from the dairy herd, the programme enables the use of elite beef bulls in dairy herds through a structured progeny testing approach. This means that beef bulls are assessed based on the performance of their progeny, ensuring that only the most suitable genetics are promoted for further widespread use.
At the core of the programme is the Dairy Beef Index (DBI), a breeding tool developed specifically for dairy farmers. This index helps them to select beef bulls that are not only easy calving but also contribute to better-quality beef calves. The DBI places a strong emphasis on key traits such as ease of calving, shorter gestation, superior carcass characteristics and a lower environmental impact. By using this tool, dairy farmers can make informed decisions that align with both production and sustainability goals.
Following on from the DBI, the programme promotes the use of the Commercial Beef Value (CBV). This is a genetic metric that predicts the profit potential of calves destined for beef production. It provides a snapshot of the likely commercial beef performance of an animal based on its genetic merit. Calves sired by Aberdeen Angus and Hereford bulls that are part of the Gene Ireland programme have an average CBV of €91, which is notably higher than the national average of €86. This reflects the value of improved genetics in delivering greater returns for farmers and the wider beef sector.
The scale of the Gene Ireland Dairy Beef Programme is significant. Each year, around 600 farmers actively participate in the scheme. Approximately 21,000 semen straws are dispatched annually, and to date, a total of 280 bulls have been tested under the programme. Each participating herd typically receives a pack of 36 straws, giving them the opportunity to trial and evaluate a broad range of beef genetics in their herds.
One of the most important aspects of the programme is the high level of collaboration between multiple stakeholders. The success of the scheme relies on the cooperation of a wide range of partners, including DAFM, ICBF, Teagasc, AI Companies, beef processors, commercial dairy farmers and bull breeders. Each of these groups plays a vital role in ensuring that the programme delivers value to the entire supply chain, from farm to fork.
As the programme celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025, it continues to demonstrate how a coordinated breeding programme can bring about measurable improvements in livestock performance. The take-home message for dairy farmers is clear: the DBI allows them to strike the right balance between calving ease and beef quality, thereby increasing profitability while contributing to environmental sustainability.
For more information, dairy farmers are encouraged to contact ICBF at 023 8820452. This programme represents a holistic approach to dairy beef production—benefiting farmers, consumers and the environment alike.
To find out more about the ABP Demo Farm see the ABP website: ABP Demonstration Farm – using science to meet our targets
To find out more about the Open Day and what was presented check out this post on Agriland.ie: Watch: ABP marks 10 years of research at demo farm