ICBF and industry partners have launched its new G€n€ Ireland panel of high-index beef bulls for spring 2021.
In autumn 2012, pedigree breeders, commercial farmers, breed societies, AI companies, DAFM & ICBF joined forces to launch the programme to improve breed efficiency at farm level.
The primary aim of the programme is to progeny test high-index beef bulls, which will “produce profitable cows for the suckler beef industry”, according to ICBF.
The minimum criteria for a bull to be included on the panel is 5 stars across breed on replacement index.
In a brief statement, a spokesperson for the ICBF, said: “This year, we have also added a section dedicated to high terminal index bulls which are selected to produce profitable animals for sale or slaughter.”
“The minimum criteria for a bull to be included in the terminal section is 5-stars across breed on terminal Index.”
“In order to avail of straws from the terminal bulls section, a herdowner must order the same number of straws from the replacement section.
Breeds that are currently available on the spring panel include Aubrac, Belgian Blue, Charolais, Limousin and Salers.
The federation confirmed that additional breeds may be added to the programme at a later stage.
Benefits as outlined by the ICBF:
- Access to the “highest index” new beef bulls in Irish AI at €5 per straw (technician charges may apply);
- Straws will be delivered to your own tank or the technician of your choosing;
- Potential to sell some progeny back to ICBF for future performance testing at the Tully Beef Test Centre;
- Freedom to choose the bulls and breeds that you require from the catalogue.
ICBF beef bulls 2021
Code | Breed | Name | Breeder | Replacement Index | Beef cow calving difficulty | Nominated by |
AU6685 | AU | Mountcain Ondee | Denis Linehan, Co. Cork | €167 | 1.8% | NCBC |
LM3713 | LM | Nebbiolo | N & R Desseauve, France | €158 | 2.6% | NCBC |
CH6996 | CH | Jogging | Jean Remy Floquet, France | €132 | 1.4% | NCBC |
LM6370 | LM | Ildira | M Leonard, France | €127 | 4.6% | NCBC |
LM3716 | LM | Nut | N&R Desseauve, France | €119 | 2.3% | NCBC |
CH6493 | CH | Omega | Earl Toillon Didier, France | €119 | 5.2% | NCBC |
SA7044 | SA | Haltere | Gaec Crevecoeur, France | €119 | 1.6% | NCBC |
Code | Breed | Name | Breeder | Terminal Index | Beef Cow Calving Difficulty % | Nominated by: |
BB6883 | BB | Tullamoylan Max | Daniel Duigan, Co. Tipperary | €181 | NCBC | |
CH6490 | CH | Orbi | Michel Bouchot. France | €144 | NCBC | |
LM6313 | LM | JK Porto | Jean Kirsch, Luxembourg | €141 | NCBC | |
LM5608 | LM | Noob | Anthony Guillot-Patureau, France | €140 | NCBC | |
BB6865 | BB | Villablues Nixon ET | Michael Tierney, Co. Tipperary | €138 | NCBC |
Further information
You can find more information on the bulls currently available and a copy of the order form which must be signed to avail of the straws, are here.
If you are interested in participating in the G€N€ IR€LAND Beef Programme 2021, or have any questions in relation to the program, please contact ICBF on 045 521573 or email – [email protected]