Progressive Genetics is launching a new booklet on the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) at the National Ploughing Championships.

It says the new booklet will help ease confusion around the scheme which, it says, many farmers are currently experiencing.

Over the past few months there has been a lot of talk and indeed confusion about the Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP), according to Progressive Genetics’ Arthur Bredin.

According to its Beef Specialist, there seems to be a great deal of farmer bewilderment in regards to the new scheme.

To ease some of this worry, the AI company will be launching an easy to use guide at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

Bredin added that the confusion has increased in the last couple of weeks, particular since farmers received the indices for their herds.

“These queries are focusing mainly on how they will go about breeding the required percentage of replacements needed to meet with the scheme targets,” said Bredin.

According to the Beef Specialist, the new replacement index places more emphasis on milk and fertility on the females in the herd, which aims to improve the overall maternal characteristics of the national suckler herd.

“Milk and fertility have been increased by 6% each and the total maternal traits now accounts for 41% of the overall replacement of the index.”

The Progressive Genetic’s Beef Specialist added that farmers should start making the right breeding decisions now to ensure they meet the schemes specifications, and the Ploughing is the perfect time to start.

“The AI requirement of the scheme doesn’t kick in until June 2016 but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared as it requires as a general requirement that 80% of the AI used must be from 4 or 5 star bulls on the terminal or replacement index.”

The booklet has been produced in consultation with Teagasc and the ICBF and it details the scheme, successful use of AI, synchronisation programmes, heat detection and more.

It will be available from the Progressive Genetics stand at this year’s National Ploughing Championships which is located at Row 11, Block 3, Stand 150.