The ICBF and the programme partners have recently launched the new Gene Ireland panel of high-replacement index beef bulls for autumn 2020.

These bulls have been selected on their potential to deliver in two key areas. Firstly, to produce heifers which are fertile and will have an adequate level of milk; and, secondly, to produce a heifer that will deliver a calf with good beef attributes for traits such as good growth rate and conformation.

Gene Ireland is a partnership between the ICBF, breed societies, AI stations and farmers and aims to select the best possible bulls with good maternal traits for progeny testing.

Some famous bulls such as ZAG and LM2117 have been put through the Gene Ireland testing programme.

Erebos (LM6172)

  • Programme details
  • Access to new high-replacement index beef bulls in Irish AI at only €5 per straw (technician charges may apply).
  • Straws will be delivered to your own tank of the technician of your choosing.
  • Potential to sell some progeny back to the ICBF for future performance testing at the Tully Beef Test Centre.
  • Freedom to choose from whatever combination of bulls and breeds that you require from the catalogue.
  • Breeds that are currently available on the autumn panel include Angus, Charolais, Limousin and Simmental. Additional breeds may be added to the programme at a later stage. As the bulls are not tested, farmers are not recommended to use G€N€ IR€LAND bulls on maiden heifers.

    • Further information on the bulls currently available and a copy of the order form, which must be signed to avail of the straws, are available from the ICBF.

    If you are interested in participating in the G€N€ IR€LAND beef programme 2020 or have any questions in relation to the programme, contact the ICBF on 023-882 0452 or email nkilrane@icbf.com.