Suckler herds participating in the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) are experiencing higher rates of genetic gain than non-BDGP herds, according to the latest figures.

Analysis of herd data from the last five years by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) has given an early picture of the effects the BDGP has on the national herd, since it was launched in 2015.

Across six key performance indicators (KPIs) - cow replacement index, first-calver replacement index, average calving interval, calves per cow per year, heifers calved between 22 and 26 months and six-week calving rate - BDGP herds have an equal or higher rate of genetic gain in all but one (Figure 1).

Gains

The ICBF expects further gains to be made in calving interval and calves per cow per year as replacement heifers bred since the beginning of the programme begin to enter the national herd.

Herd size was an area where reports tracking herd progress over five years showed a significant difference.

BDGP herds had an average of 26 cows in 2018, an increase of two since 2014. Non-BDGP herds decreased over the same period with the average herd falling by one to 16 cows (Table 1).

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Suckler herds in BDGP making higher genetic gains

The ICBF has issued progress reports for herds over the last five years with BDGP herds making higher genetic gains than those outside the programme.