With the breeding season on the horizon, the ICBF (Irish Cattle Breeding Federation) has released its new Gene Ireland panel of bulls for spring 2021.

The Gene Ireland Programme was launched in autumn 2012 and was established by the ICBF in conjunction with industry partners.

The purpose of the programme is to improve the genetic information in Irish beef production by recording high-quality data and by enhancing the testing of progeny from new and suitable beef AI sires.

Rather than focusing solely on the replacement index in this year’s panel, there has also been a dedicated section added for bulls rated highly on the terminal index. 

In total there are 12 bulls added to the panel this spring, with straws available at a cost of €5/straw.

2021 Replacement Index panel

The bulls on the panel of the replacement index consist of Aubrac, Limousin, Charolais and Saler sires. Their values on the replacement index range from €119 up to €167.

The list of maternal sires can be viewed in the table below.

Replacement index sires included in the Gene Ireland Programme / Data source: ICBF

2021 Terminal Index panel

Taking a look at the panel selected based on their terminal index, these consist of Belgian Blue, Charolais and Limousin. The terminal indices for these bulls range from €138 up to €181.

The list of terminal sires can be viewed in the table below.

Terminal index sires included in the Gene Ireland Programme / Data source: ICBF

ICBF noted that additional breeds may be added to the programme at a later stage.

If farmers require further information about the Gene Ireland panel or wish to view the full catalogue they can click onto the ICBF website or contact 045 521573.