Genomics applications in February

Applications will open in February for the €23m Beef Genomics Scheme announced by Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney on Tuesday.

Suckler farmers taking part in the scheme will pay €30 for a DNA kit, and they will be required to take samples from 15% of the herd once a year.

The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation will indicate what samples are needed (from stock bulls, and a selection of suckler cows), and which farmers will be required to give samples.

It is believed that calves from Friesian cows will be excluded from the scheme.

The scheme payment will be worth €40 per calf in 32,000 herds, covering up to 550,000 suckler calves. This represents about half of the bigger suckler herds and half of the calves.

Full details of terms and conditions will be outlined in due course, but it is known that farmers wishing to participate in the Beef Genomics Scheme must also participate in the Beef Data Programme.

Beef Data Programme and Genomics Scheme payments will total up to €60 per calf.

The benefit of genomics is that a relatively inexpensive DNA test gives a huge amount of genetic information on which cattle will increase farm income. In suckler beef herds, it will supply much of the missing information on the current genetic merit of the national herd.

In 2009, genomic selection was launched in Ireland in the dairy sector, following research carried out by Teagasc, led by Dr Donagh Berry at Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, in collaboration with ICBF.

DNA sampling usually requires a snip of the animal’s tail hair to be posted off, and the animal’s genetic results will be on the computer or in the post within four weeks.

“This will help to accelerate the kind of genetic improvement that will drive efficiency and increase profitability at farm level. Together with the Beef Data Programme, this will provide for payments of up to €60 per calf in the suckler herd,” said Minister Coveney.

“This initiative will help to place Ireland firmly to the forefront globally in beef genetics, enhance our reputation as a world leader in sustainable food production, increase the carbon efficiency of the sector, and from a marketing perspective, help to reinforce the uniqueness of our offering on EU and world markets. The collection of this vital genetic information can also provide a building block for the development of a genetic traceability system which would be a global first, placing Ireland firmly in first place globally when it comes to consumer assurance and traceability.”