Applying for an AI Code
In line with EU Animal Breeding Regulations bulls to be used for purebred breeding must be sire and dam parentage verified before an AI code is issued. (more…)
Frequently Asked Questions – Genotyping
On a recent social media post, we asked our followers to send on any questions they had around genotyping. Below is a brief synopsis of the main questions asked and their corresponding answers.
Getting a genomic evaluation on a bull – It doesn’t happen overnight.
It can take anywhere from 10-18 weeks for a bull to receive a genomic evaluation from the time of ordering a sample kit. If you have a pedigree bull aimed at the autumn sales, it is likely that you will be required to get him genotyped. (more…)
Peter Hynes – “It is important we look out for each other”
Whilst life on the farm has been quiet in the last month, life in general has kept us well occupied. Daily chores are limited to milking, checking stock and some fertiliser once a week. The dry weather hasn’t affected us too much and we would hope to mow our second cut in a little over two weeks. (more…)
Ireland Reaches 2 Million Genotype Milestone
ICBF recently passed an important milestone with over 2 million cattle having a valid genotype. It only seems like yesterday that we were reporting on passing the 1 million genotype milestone in 2017. This represents an increase of 1 million valid genotypes in less than 3 years. (more…)
ICBF reaches 2 Million Genotype Milestone
Press Release
ICBF reaches 2 Million Genotype Milestone
Increase of 1 million valid genotypes in 3 years
May 21st, 2020: Late last week, ICBF announced the passing of another significant milestone with over 2 million cattle in Ireland having a valid genotype, an increase of 1 million in just 3 years. (more…)
Proofs for bulls do change as they accumulate more data
Why do proofs change and does the extent of change vary depending on the type of proof for the bull? To answer these questions ICBF examined bull proofs from 1901 AI sires born over the 20-year period 1995 to 2014. (more…)
Smaller cows can produce heavier weanlings
This is clear from the results of analysis carried out by Teagasc on the data collected as part of the Beef Environmental Efficiency Pilot (BEEP) in 2019. (more…)
Breeding for low heritability traits can achieve real results
A common misconception is that breeding should not be pursued as a method for improving health or fertility traits due to their low heritability. Low heritability does not mean the trait cannot be improved. Low heritability simply signifies that much more records are required to achieve the same rate of genetic gain as high heritability trait (e.g., carcass weight or milk yield). (more…)