ICBF and its Gene Ireland programme partners are now selling 10 AI bulls that have met their target semen requirement for the programme.
These bulls were primarily selected based on their replacement index (milk and fertility). The ICBF note that this is because the long term objective of the programme is to reverse the decline in maternal traits, such as milk and fertility, in the national suckler herd and to help deliver consistent, measurable genetic gain in beef breeding.
To date, this has been done by identifying high Replacement Index bulls in pedigree beef herds and carrying out comprehensive progeny testing on these bulls.
According to Stephen Conroy of the ICBF: “These are high quality animals which have been selected based on their maternal traits but also have good beef capacity.
“The sale presents a great opportunity for farmers to get into a high quality bull in terms of its genetic potential particularly.”
The bulls being sold have undergone a rigorous selection process by the ICBF. The ICBF have collected 1000 doses of semen from the bulls 500 of which will be sent out to comerical farmers and progeny tested. The other 500 will be stored.
A minimum of €2,500 reserve price has been placed on each bull.
Gene Ireland Bulls on offer
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- Rosemount Giga ET, DOB 14-Jan-12, Replacement Index €14
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- Goulding Eamonn M251 ET, DOB: 27-Sep-12
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- ICBF Clewbay High-master.
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- Steil Jacob 221,03-Sep-12
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- Cairnmor John, DOB: 08-Aug-12
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- Lislea Hermes, 09-Feb-12,
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- Liss Barborosa M307, 08-Oct-12
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- Scaughmolin G Mail, DOB:17-Nov-12, Index: €122
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- Balinclea Iveco, DOB: 26-Jan-13
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- Lisnacrann Demertios, 8-Nov-12
If you are interested in purchasing one of these bulls, contact Stephen Conroy on 086-3895415 or Niall Kilrane on 045-521573 to arrange a viewing. Purchasing will be by a tender process with all tenders to be submitted in writing to Francis Kearney, ICBF, Highfield House, Bandon, Co. Cork by Friday, June 20, at 5pm.