Genomics on way for beef

Within a few years, every single calf born in Ireland will be genotyped at tagging, suggested Dr Donagh Berry of Teagasc Moorepark.

He was spaking at the recent conference in Tullamore on Advances in Knowledge and Technologies for Agriculture, organised by Teagasc, UCD and the Agricultural Science Association.

He said the resulting genomic evaluations will be available for use in breeding programmes — and can be used to “manage” the animal right through to the end purchaser (abattoirs, victuallers, exporters, farmers), and to help determine the sale price.