Progressive Genetics, the farmer-owned co-op based in Meath, has launched a detailed Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) booklet at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois. The aim of the booklet, which has been produced in conjunction with Teagasc and ICBF, will be to better explain the scheme to farmers and help them make the right decisions in terms of successful use of AI, synchronisation programmes for heifers and cows, heat detection and more.
Progressive Genetics, the farmer-owned co-op based in Meath, has launched a detailed Beef Data Genomics Programme (BDGP) booklet at this year’s National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co Laois.
The aim of the booklet, which has been produced in conjunction with Teagasc and ICBF, will be to better explain the scheme to farmers and help them make the right decisions in terms of successful use of AI, synchronisation programmes for heifers and cows, heat detection and more.
According to beef specialist and field service manager in the west of Ireland for Progressive Genetics Arthur Bredin, the BDGP scheme has generated a lot of talk and indeed confusion over the last number of months.
Farmer queries
“Since farmers received their indices for their herds, cows and heifers, my phone has been very busy with questions,” says Bredin. “Farmer queries are focusing mainly on how they will go about breeding the required percentage of replacements needed to meet with the scheme targets.”
Progressive Genetics believes its booklet will be useful for farmers and farm advisers (as well as technicians and salespeople) to select the right bulls to meet the needs of a particular cow and produce the desired female for the scheme.
“The AI requirement of the scheme doesn’t kick in until June 2016, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared and it requires as a general requirement that 80% of the AI used must be from four- or five-star bulls on the terminal or replacement index,” added Bredin.
Progressive Genetics is urging all suckler farmers to visit its stand (Row 11, Block 3, Stand 150) at this year’s Ploughing and be sure to bring their herd index with them.
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