Cattle breeders to focus on genomics and web services

IRISH Cattle Breeding Federation priorities for 2010 have been reviewed in the light of funding indicated by the Department of Agriculture.

Priorities include genomics, making full use of suckler scheme data, increasing HerdPlus uptake, enhancing web services, supporting Animal Health Ireland’s initiatives, and making better use of Irish bred cattle to accelerate genetic gains for dairy and beef breeds.

Sheep breeding priorities have moved from system building in 2009 to growing the use of LambPlus, and helping sheep farmers make better use of the new Euro-Star genetic evaluations for sheep in 2010.