Breeding & Genetics

1. Genetic improvement in the suckler cow herd and the sires used on it and
2. Achieving fertility targets to maximise farm output

Genetic improvement can be achieved through breeding high index replacement heifers, purchasing stock bulls that are five stars for the important beef traits and by using AI to avail of bulls that have high reliability attached to their breeding values. Gains made from improving the genetics of a breeding a herd are cumulative and once achieved are there for the lifetime of the herd. Every suckler farmer needs to have a breeding plan to ensure that the next generation of stock is superior to the previous generation.

Having clear fertility targets for a herd is one of the first goals in any farm plan. Output on a suckler farm is directly related to the number of live calves weaned each year. Calving heifers at 24 months of age, having a tight calving pattern, aiming for a short calving interval and keeping mortality to a minimum are some of the key targets. Knowing what the targets should be is the first step.

Improving Genetics

Genetic improvement in beef animals is permanent and cumulative. Beef breeding indexes are available to help farmers identify animals that have superior genetics that will ultimately increase the profitability of the stock they are farming.

Beef Breeding Indexes Webinar

Teagasc and the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) held an online webinar to explain the upcoming improvements that are being made to both the Terminal and the Replacement beef indexes, and the impact these changes are likely to have on breeding choices over the coming years.

Webinar presentations

• Improvements to the Replacement Index - Paul Crosson
• Improvements to the Terminal index - Donagh Berry
• Impact of the Changes - Siobhan Ring
• Motivation change - Margaret Kelleher

For more information read the Breeding section of the Teagasc Beef Manual (2016)