From 18 to 18,000 – The Growth of the National Genotyping Programme (NGP)
From a small pilot to a world-leading national programme, DNA calf registration has revolutionised how Irish cattle are genotyped, evaluated and…
NGP: Have you ordered your 2026 calf tags?
To ensure herds are prepared for their 2026 calving season we would like to remind you of the following: Order your…
Deadline for tags to be returned – 1st December 2025
Herds who signed up to the National Genotyping Programme (NGP) in 2025 should have all received tags to sample any ungenotyped…
Genotyping from the Start: Lessons from the Lisduff Herd as NGP Deadline Approaches
Hailing from Whitechurch, Co. Cork, dairy farmer Victor O’Sullivan operates a substantial dairy enterprise under the Lisduff Herd prefix, alongside his…
Closing date for NGP applications – Friday 19th September
The closing date for applications to join the National Genotyping Programme is Friday the 19th of September. All farmers are encouraged…
DNA Data Driving Better Breeding Decisions on a Laois Suckler Farm
Robin Talbot farming in partnership with his wife Anne and mother Pam, runs a large 220-cow, Autumn calving suckler and beef…
How genotyping drives smarter breeding choices for Co. Kerry suckler farmer
Joseph McCrohan, based in Reenard near Caherciveen in Co. Kerry, operates a 20-cow suckler herd made up of Limousin, Saler, and…
Tracking Congenital Defects in Irish Calves: Insights from a Decade of Data
Congenital abnormalities are those that are present at birth. In cattle, it is estimated that 0.5%–1% of calves are affected by…
High-EBI Herd in Co. Carlow Reaps Rewards of Genotyping and Data-Driven Decisions
Niall and Catherine Hosey run a high-performing 100-cow Holstein-Friesian dairy herd just outside Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow. With a strong focus on…