Beef Data & Genomics Programme

Information Meetings 2015 Teagasc Beef Specialists

Overview

• Scheme Requirements

• Information Received to Date

• Meeting the Breeding Targets

• What is the next steps

Reference Number

No. of 4 & 5 Star animals in the Herd

Example

• No. Suckler Calf Births 2014 16

• No. Genotype Samples per Annum 10 animals (16 cows x 60%)

• Max. Payable Area required 10.66 ha. (16 cows / 1.5 cows /ha.)

• Min. Forage ha. required 8.53 ha. (10.66 ha. x 80%)

(1) Reference Cows & Payment

Max. Payment €1,430 (minus genotyping cost €220)

On Forage Area(6.66ha. X €142.50) + (4 ha. x €120) = €1429.05

On Cows(10 cows x €95) + (6 cows x €80) = €1,430

Example

• 10 Animals to be Genotyped each year (cost €220)

Which Animals will be Genotyped?

• ICBF will nominate the 10 animals /annum

What Animals for Genotyping?

In 2015 priority was given to;

•Any stock bull not yet genotyped

•4/5 star cows not yet genotyped, especially younger cows

•4/5 star heifers born in Spring 2015.

Some Breeds will have Higher Replacement Index Values than Others

€74 is starting value for 4 Star

• Current stock bull will qualify for 30th June 2019 Requirement• High on Terminal Index €142 (Top 1%)

• Low in Replacement Index €45 (Bottom 30%)• Young Bull 2012 born

Stock Bull will be of Limited Value to Breed Replacement 4 & 5 Star females in this herd

Bull Details

Selecting Bulls to Improve the Replacement Index

• Need to aim for a Replacement Index Value of above €74

• Quality of the bull used will depend on current female values in the herd

Bull will contribute Half the Value to the Progeny

• €140 RI value bull will contribute €70

• €30 RI value bull will contribute €15

Example

Cow RI Value €80 X Bull RI Value €102(50% Cow value = €40) (50% Bull Value = €51)

Progeny Replacement Value (€40 + €51) = €91

12 Animals Currently 4 & 5 Star

Current Cow & Heifer Position

Current Cow & Heifer Position2 Five star Cows Born in ’04 &’08

Issues with the Current Herd

• 12 Animals currently 4 & 5 Star in the herd

• Will be required to have at least 8 genotyped 4 & 5 star animals by 31/10/2020

• Top 2 cows only suitable with current stock bull to breed replacements

Top Cow RI Value €146

2nd Cow RI Value €114

3rd Cow RI Value €98

X Lim Bull

RI Value €45

Progeny A € 95

Progeny B € 79

Progeny C € 72

Options to Breed more 4 & 5 Star animals

Issues with the Current Herd

Consider using High Reliability High Index AI sire on top cows

• Bulls genotyped and higher reliability

• Choose from variety of breeds

• Can maintain a closed herd

Options to Breed more 4 & 5 Star animals

Issues with the Current Herd

If Replacing stock bull get a high replacement index genotyped bull (+€80)• Need a genotyped animal

• Replacement value may be limited if youchoose to stay with a specific breed

• Herd more vulnerable to bringing in disease

Options to Breed more 4 & 5 Star animals

Issues with the Current Herd

Look to source heifers from other herds (suckler or dairy cross)

• Marts will start to display heifers Indices• Have some members in your discussion got

surplus heifers• May be only real option if the current cow

base is low• Herd will be more exposed to disease

1. Fill out the survey sheets on paper or online(Payments for 2015 will issue from mid December)

Next steps???

Cow Data

Bull Data

Calf Data

2. Tag the nominated animals for genotyping and return the samples

3. Go through your Eurostar Report & discuss with your Adviser

• What is the current position in your herd? (Cows/Heifers/Stock Bull)

• How will I ensure that I meet the female targets in 2018 and 2020?

• Will I need to use AI? Is it an option for me

• Can I breed my own replacement heifers?

• Am I better off buying in Replacements?

• When I come to replace my stock Bull what should I look for?

• Will I have surplus 4 & 5 star heifers to sell on?

• What should I do with my 1 & 2 Star cows?

• Are some of my animals likely to change once they are genotyped?

There are many questions to be answered

Start Planning Now!!

Thank You