The National Genotyping Programme, a pivotal initiative for enhancing cattle breeding, has reopened to new applicants. This reopening allows both beef and dairy herd owners to participate, aiming to maximise the genotyping of animals under a collaborative cost-sharing model involving the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, industry stakeholders, and farmers.
Overview of the National Genotyping Programme
Launched last year, the National Genotyping Programme is designed to improve cattle breeding decisions through detailed genetic analysis. The program involves collecting and analyzing DNA samples from cattle to assess their genetic traits and potential. This genetic information supports more informed breeding decisions, which can enhance productivity, animal health, and climate action efforts in the agricultural sector.
The programme initially faced a closure due to high demand and logistical constraints. However, with the reopening, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is now accepting applications again, expanding the reach of this valuable resource.
Participation and Impact
Since its inception, the National Genotyping Programme has successfully engaged over 10,600 herds, with more than 1.3 million animals genotyped. In 2023 alone, the programme genotyped 700,000 breeding animals from both dairy and beef herds. The current year has seen significant activity, with over 628,000 calves genotyped to date.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., emphasized the importance of the programme, stating,
The genotyping programme is already facilitating the delivery of tangible benefits in terms of breeding decisions, which will have a knock-on benefit for climate action, animal health, and productivity at farm level.”
Charlie McConalogue, T.D., Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
He highlighted that genotyped weanlings and store cattle traded through marts now display their Commercial Beef Value (CBV), providing critical information for purchasing decisions and reflecting the programme’s impact.
Programme Administration and Future Prospects
ICBF will continue to manage the National Genotyping Programme. Sean Coughlan, Chief Executive Officer of ICBF, expressed enthusiasm about the reopening, stating,
ICBF welcomes the opportunity to bring more herds into the National Genotyping Programme. This builds on the excellent momentum gained over the course of the programme so far and will provide more Irish farmers with the tools to make informed, data-driven decisions on farm.”
Sean Coughlan, Chief Executive Officer of ICBF
The reopening of the National Genotyping Programme marks a significant step towards improving the genetic quality of Ireland’s cattle herd. By allowing more herds to participate, the programme aims to enhance breeding decisions, support climate action, and boost productivity in the dairy and beef sectors. The initiative reflects a commitment to leveraging genetic data to advance the agricultural industry and benefit farmers across the country.
