Cattle breeders to focus on genomics and web services
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.
Sources at ICBF say they have a very ambitious programme, but their priorities will be largely achievable, following some fine tuning and an additional focus on ensuring good value.
ICBF aims to ensure ready availability of accurate genetic evaluations for all traits, breeds and animals (national and international) of significance to Irish farmers; increase participation and substantially reduce unit cost of cattle breeding services to farmers; ensure the cattle breeding industry delivers optimal economic returns for Irish cattle farmers from genetic improvement; and develop and market a range of information services that make effective use of the cattle breeding database, complement the services provided by members, and spread the overhead cost of maintaining and operating the ICBF database and genetic evaluation systems. It is intended to extend HerdPlus to facilitate sales of high genetic merit animals, nationally and internationally, through licensed service providers, and develop and implement genetic evaluation information service for animals being sold through marts.
ICBF will ensure farmers understand and make good use of genomic information on breeding stock, and secure DNA samples for use in genomic research from all beef bulls with accurate genetic evaluations in Ireland.
Sources in Teagasc estimate that genomics will add €8m per year to Irish dairy industry earnings, and €20m per year to Irish beef industry earnings.
Full details of plans for 2010 are on the www.icbf.com website.
