One of the most common misunderstandings is why females are 4/5 Eurostar on the Replacement index on “BDGP Eurostar report” or on the ICBF Animal Search but are not listed as eligible on the “BDGP eligibility report”. This can cause confusion for BDGP farmers. The 31st of October 2020 is when all BDGP 1 farmers have meet their female scheme requirements. 50% of the reference number of females must be either 4 or 5 star on replacement index (within or across breed) on the end of October 2020.
As you can see above examples, the female is 5 Eurostar replacement on the BDGP Eurostar report & Animal Search but is not genotyped (see highlighted yellow box and no green bar on the Animal Search to indicate genotype status).
Is this female BDGP scheme eligible as it appears on your BDGP Eurostar report or Animal Search?
The answer to this question is No. Even though the female is over 16 months & born after the 1st of January 2013, the animal has yet to be genotyped. A female must have a genomic proof as part of its evaluation to be defined as BDGP scheme eligible.
The above example is a female from a BDGP eligibility report. This female is scheme eligible in the BDGP report. As you can see, it got a genomic proof in the May 2017 evaluation (see highlighted above). This was when the female’s genomic proof was first published. The animal is listed as BDGP eligible on the eligibility report as highlighted above. This animal will also be listed as eligible on the eligibility profile when you log into your ICBF account.
BDGP farmers should note the reasons this animal is eligible is as follows:
- at least 16 months old and;
- born in 2013 or later.
- 4 or 5 stars on the replacement index (on a within breed or on a cross breed basis) on the first genomic proof.
Common Misunderstanding
A female may be eligible in your own BDGP herd but not anybody else’s. One of the main reasons for this is that a female in your herd may have decreased in its current Eurostar rating since it was first genotyped. It may also have moved in and out of your herd which does cause issues for BDGP farmers as well. Keep in mind that ICBF first launched its first beef genomic proof run in August 2016 and bimonthly animal evaluations are now been delivered to farmers 6 times a year. All farmers should note that all animal index’s change even if it is genotyped.
Advice for BDGP Farmers
BDGP farmers should refer to their most recent eligibility report or live online ICBF eligibility screens to determine the females that will meet their BDGP scheme female requirements for their own herds.
If Buying a female Replacement
BDGP farmers should try to purchase in a female that has a full genomic evaluation (4- or 5-star replacement index). Keep this in mind if purchasing in a mart or through private sale.
If purchasing a female, look for” Yes” under “Genomic Eval” display on mart board as shown as well as its 4- or 5-star rating.
Keep in mind as well, a tissue tag in the animal’s ear does not mean it has a genomic evaluation. On the ICBF Animal Search look for the words “Genomic Evaluation” (Figure 1 below). above. A DNA symbol will appear on the upper right of the catalogue page as well.
If the female has a genomic evaluation, you will see green text saying “Note: Genotype included in evaluation” (Figure 2 below).
Purchasing an ungenotyped female will mean BDBP 1 farmers will need to DNA sampled and have a genomic evaluation published before 31th of October 2019. This approach runs the higher risk of an animal not been 4 or 5 stars on replacement index once the female’s genomic evaluation is first published whilst in your herd.
Figure 3. A female must have a genomic evaluation and be 4 or 5 stars on the Replacement Index, within or across breed to be deemed BDGP eligible. Green bar will indicate its genotyped status.
Note animal must also be born after the 1st of January 2013 for BDGP scheme eligibility. Highlighted in red text is the 24-March date, as this determines how long the current proof is valid till the next evaluation.
If you have any queries on tissue tags, female eligibility or any other breeding aspect of BDGP, please call ICBF on 023-8832883 or email [email protected]