Additional places available in National Genotyping Programme

The National Genotyping Programme has reopened to additional applicants, with applications now accepted through the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) website.

Since the programme was launched last year, over 10,600 herds have participated with over 1.3 million animals genotyped to date. 700,000 breeding animals, from both dairy and beef herds, were genotyped in 2023, while over 628,000 calves have been genotyped in 2024 to date.

The re-opening of the programme, which is open to both beef and dairy herd owners, is aimed at maximising the number of animals genotyped under the current cost-sharing model between the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, industry, and farmers.

Commenting prior to the reopening of the programme, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, T.D., said it’s a significant step towards genotyping the entire national cattle herd.

"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.

“Genotyped weanlings and store cattle that are being traded through marts have their Commercial Beef Value (CBV) displayed on mart screens. CBV is critical for rearers in purchasing animals and dairy farmers to receive feedback on breeding decisions. We have seen the influence of the CBV around the ring in recent months,” the Minister added.

ICBF will continue to administer the programme. Commenting on the re-opening, Sean Coughlan, Chief Executive Officer of ICBF said: “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.”

Also read: More options and higher profits from high CBV animals